Blockchains: Ready for Prime Time or Still Overhyped?

Summary

When I spoke about blockchains at the 2017 Phocuswright Conference, I began by contrasting two extreme scenarios. The first characterized blockchains as the next big thing, ushering in an “Internet of Value” and dramatically changing all aspects of e-commerce. The second presented the opposite argument –  that blockchains are extremely overhyped and still many years away from having any real impact on the global travel industry. I then stated that the reality is somewhere in the middle. Well, it’s nearly two years later and it’s time for an update.