Web3Hotels - Cardano based Hotel Booking Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Udai Solanki

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Ashis Saha

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahashis/

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Web3Hotels.com Pilot: A demo B2C booking platform showcasing Cardano-based payments, reviews, and loyalty for select hotels, laying groundwork for future industry partnerships.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

As this is implementation of real world use case of online booking, various business logics/rules are written and need to be confidential to businesses. It can't be made completely open-source however whichever part possible, we shall attempt to make open-source.

[METADATA] Horizons

Tourism

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution: Web3Hotels.com Pilot

The Problem We Are Solving:

The traditional travel booking industry often lacks transparency, security, and efficiency, particularly in areas such as payment processing, reviews, and loyalty programs. Users face high transaction fees, questionable review authenticity, and complex loyalty systems, while businesses grapple with integrating multiple third-party services. Moreover, current platforms are centralized, limiting trust and flexibility in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

By leveraging blockchain technology, specifically Cardano, Web3Hotels.com aims to address these challenges, creating a more efficient, secure, and decentralized travel booking experience.

Why We Are Approaching It This Way:

Cardano’s blockchain offers unique capabilities, such as secure, transparent transactions, low fees, and immutable records. These attributes are well-suited to solve key pain points in travel bookings, such as trust in payments and reviews. By building a Cardano-powered platform, we can demonstrate how blockchain can enhance transparency, cut costs, and improve user experience in this sector. This pilot will serve as a proof of concept, validating these innovations before scaling up.

Who Our Project Will Engage:

The Web3Hotels.com Pilot will engage several key stakeholders:

• Travelers: Early adopters who are curious about blockchain applications in real-world scenarios.
• Hotel Partners: A small group of hotels (5-10) that will participate in the initial phase, offering their properties for demonstration purposes.
• Cardano Community: Blockchain enthusiasts and developers who are interested in the practical applications of Cardano within the travel industry.
• Potential Business Partners: Companies like HomeRez, Aleph Hospitality, and Hotelbeds, who could be involved in future phases.

Demonstrating and Proving Impact:

The Web3Hotels.com Pilot will showcase the real-world application of blockchain in travel by focusing on key features that solve industry-specific problems. Our pilot will demonstrate three main blockchain-powered capabilities integrated together:

• Payments:
• Integration of ADA payments, with prices displayed in fiat currency for user convenience.
• By using Cardano, we eliminate third-party processing fees and streamline transactions.
• Blockchain-Based Review System:
• Integration of Review system to store reviews immutably on the blockchain, ensuring authenticity and transparency. This system addresses the widespread issue of fake reviews that undermine trust in current platforms.
• Loyalty Program:
• Integration of a simplified loyalty system using Cardano native tokens, allowing users to earn and redeem points seamlessly without complicated conversion processes.

Partner Coordination:

To ensure the success of the pilot and future scalability, we will actively engage potential future partners (HomeRez, Aleph Hospitality, Hotelbeds) in this initial phase. Their feedback on pilot features and integration requirements will help us refine the solution for larger-scale deployment. This collaborative approach will also position Web3Hotels.com as a potential partner for established players in the travel industry.

Why This Is Important to Cardano:

Web3Hotels.com offers a unique opportunity to showcase Cardano’s capabilities in a real-world, B2C application. This project will demonstrate how Cardano can transform industries beyond finance, using blockchain to solve concrete problems in travel. It also serves as a model for future projects on the Cardano network, highlighting practical use cases for widespread adoption.

Expected Outcomes:

• Proof of Concept: The pilot will demonstrate the viability of blockchain-powered travel bookings, offering a user-friendly interface that’s familiar to traditional booking site users while leveraging blockchain’s strengths.
• User Feedback: We will gather insights from users to refine the platform for future iterations.
• Partner Engagement: Early collaboration with industry players will lay the groundwork for future partnerships and larger-scale implementations.

By focusing on delivering a functional, scaled-down demo within budget constraints, we ensure that this pilot not only proves the concept but also sets the stage for future expansion in the travel sector.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Impact of the Web3Hotels.com Pilot on the Cardano Community

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

The Web3Hotels.com Pilot is designed to bring significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by providing a tangible use case for blockchain technology in a major global industry—travel. The success of this project will demonstrate how Cardano can enhance real-world applications, while fostering greater awareness, engagement, and utility for ADA.

Practical Demonstration of Cardano’s Capabilities:

• Real-World ADA Use: The pilot will showcase how ADA can be used in everyday transactions, specifically for booking travel accommodations. This practical demonstration will build confidence in ADA's utility beyond the crypto space.
• Blockchain-Based Reviews & Loyalty Systems: Immutable, transparent reviews and a loyalty program powered by Cardano native tokens will highlight blockchain’s potential to increase trust and efficiency in the travel sector.

Deep Community Engagement:

• Hands-On Experience: Cardano users and travelers will have the opportunity to engage directly with a blockchain-powered booking platform. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of how Cardano can be applied in real-world scenarios.
• Feedback Collection: The pilot will serve as a valuable platform to gather insights from the Cardano community, which will be used to refine blockchain features and improve future travel applications.

Generating Partner Interest:

• Showcasing Cardano’s Potential to Industry Leaders: By collaborating with a select group of hotels and industry partners, the pilot will demonstrate to major travel industry players the benefits of integrating Cardano’s blockchain. This will lay the foundation for future partnerships and larger-scale implementations.
• Laying the Groundwork for Expansion: The success of the pilot will open doors for further adoption of Cardano in the travel sector, potentially leading to large-scale deployments with international hotel chains and travel companies.

Increasing ADA Utility:

• New Use Case for ADA: The Web3Hotels.com Pilot will create a new, practical use case for ADA, increasing its utility in everyday transactions. By allowing travelers to book accommodations using ADA, we introduce a fresh way for users to interact with the Cardano blockchain.
• Introducing Travelers to Cardano Wallets: The pilot will familiarize non-crypto users with the process of setting up and using a Cardano wallet, increasing ADA adoption and promoting greater use of the Cardano network.

Educational Value for the Community:

• Tangible Learning Tool: The pilot will provide a concrete example for the Cardano community to better understand how blockchain technology can be integrated into real-world industries, serving as a case study for other projects considering blockchain integration.
• Insights into Integration Challenges: The pilot will also highlight key challenges and solutions in blockchain adoption, offering insights into technical hurdles, user experience, and operational considerations that other developers and companies can learn from.

Measuring Impact:

We will use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the impact of the Web3Hotels.com Pilot on the Cardano community:

Tracking Usage Data:

• Number of Demo Bookings: We will track the total number of hotel bookings made through the pilot platform using ADA, providing a clear metric of platform usage and adoption.
• ADA Transactions: The number of ADA payments processed will be another key indicator of blockchain adoption in real-world transactions.

Collecting User Feedback:

• User Feedback on Usability: We will actively collect feedback from users regarding their experience with blockchain features like payments, reviews, and the loyalty program. This qualitative data will help us understand user satisfaction and areas for improvement.

Partner Engagement:

• Measuring Partner Interest: We will measure engagement levels from our hotel partners and potential future collaborators (such as HomeRez, Aleph Hospitality, and Hotelbeds). Their feedback on the pilot’s blockchain features and their readiness to integrate blockchain solutions will be an important success metric.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

To ensure that the Cardano community remains informed and engaged throughout the process, we will provide:

Regular Updates:

• We will share progress reports with the Cardano community at key stages of the pilot. These updates will be posted on social media platforms, forums, and within relevant Cardano community channels.

Detailed Pilot Outcome Report:

• Upon completion of the pilot, we will release a comprehensive report outlining the outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned. This report will include both quantitative data (e.g., number of transactions, user metrics) and qualitative feedback from users and partners.

Presenting Results at Cardano Events:

• We will present the results of the Web3Hotels.com Pilot at Cardano community events, webinars, and conferences, providing a platform to discuss the pilot’s success and inspire other blockchain-based initiatives in the travel industry.

By sharing these results and insights, we aim to contribute to the ongoing development and growth of the Cardano community, while showcasing how blockchain can positively impact mainstream industries like travel.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team combines deep blockchain expertise and travel industry experience, making us uniquely qualified to deliver this project with trust and accountability:

Blockchain Expertise (Cardano Development)

• Experienced Team: Our team includes members skilled in Cardano smart contract development and token standards.
• Established Network: We have strong connections within the Cardano development community, ensuring we stay informed on best practices and new advancements.

Travel Industry Experience

• Industry Knowledge: Team members come from backgrounds in online travel agencies (OTAs), with direct experience in hotel booking systems and API integrations.

Building Trust and Accountability

To ensure the project is executed with transparency and integrity, we will:

• Transparent Development: Implement a clear, open development process with regular updates to the community.
• Comprehensive Testing: Perform thorough testing of all smart contracts and integrations to ensure security and functionality.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage the Cardano community for feedback and input during development, fostering collaboration and trust.

Validating Feasibility

We will validate the feasibility of our approach through the following steps:

1. Technical Feasibility

• Proofs-of-Concept: Develop proofs-of-concept for key features such as payments, integrated reviews and loyalty programs.
• Rigorous Testing: Test these features rigorously on the Cardano testnet before launching any public demo.

2. User Experience

• Usability Testing: Conduct focused usability testing with a small group of Cardano community members.
• Iterative Feedback: Use feedback from these tests to refine and improve the user experience.

3. Partner Feedback

• Pilot Presentation: Present our pilot concept to potential industry partners for feedback and input.
• Expert Advice: Adjust our development roadmap based on insights from travel industry experts.

4. Scalability Assessment

• Performance Evaluation: Analyze the performance of our pilot to project requirements for full-scale implementation.
• Expansion Planning: Identify any potential challenges to scaling and outline strategies for future growth.

By focusing on a small-scale, functional pilot, we will demonstrate the viability of our project while collecting valuable insights to guide future development. This phased, data-driven approach ensures we maintain high levels of trust, accountability, and feasibility throughout the project.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Planning and Design

• Finalize pilot scope and feature set
• Design user interface for demo B2C booking platform
• Develop technical architecture for Cardano integrations

Milestone output(s):

• Detailed project plan and timeline
• UI/UX designs for demo platform
• Technical architecture document

Acceptance criteria:

• Approval of project plan by Cardano community representatives
• Positive feedback on UI/UX designs from test group
• Technical architecture review by Cardano developers

Milestone 2: Core Development

• Develop basic booking functionality for select hotels
• Implement ADA payment processing
• Integrated with a review and a loyalty system

Milestone output(s):

• Functional demo booking system
• ADA payment integration
• Review and loyalty point system is integrated

Acceptance criteria:

• Successful test bookings for all included hotels
• Accurate ADA transactions with proper fiat value display
• Verified deployment of smart contracts on Cardano testnet

Milestone 3: Integration and Testing

• Integrate all components into cohesive demo platform
• Conduct thorough testing of all features
• Perform security audit of smart contracts

Milestone output(s):

• Fully integrated demo platform
• Comprehensive test results
• Security audit report

Acceptance criteria:

• Successful end-to-end user journeys on demo platform
• All identified bugs and issues resolved
• Clean security audit with no critical issues

Final Milestone: Launch and Evaluation

• Execute limited public launch of pilot platform
• Gather and analyze user feedback
• Develop roadmap for full-scale implementation
• Closing Report and Video Submission

Milestone output(s):

• Live Web3Hotels.com pilot platform
• User feedback analysis report
• Future development roadmap
• Closing Report and Video Submitted

Acceptance criteria:

• Successful completion of at least 50 demo bookings
• Comprehensive user feedback collected and analyzed
• Stakeholder approval of future development plans
• Link to Closing Report and Video

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

We have a very strong team of senior developers and experienced software architects.

Below are our key team members who shall be engaged in this project.

Udai Solanki , CTO at https://www.erevmax.com

Role in Project : Blockchain/Solution Architect and Project Manager

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solanki

Technical Architect, Java Programmer, Plutus and Haskell Programmer

23+ years Technology and programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Developer Advocate at OSO, https://IntersectMBO.org

Rupanjali Bask

Role in Project : Tech Writer and Tester

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupanjali-basak/

Product Owner having 14 years in product management and

7 years in IT Support, mostly in Hospitality Industry

Narendra Das

Role: Blockchain Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naren4das/

Technical Architect , Java Programmer, Plutus and Haskell Programmer

22+ years programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Mahendra Sharma

Role in Project: Software Architect, Technical Design and Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahendra-sharma-79a988b8/

Software Architect, Java Programmer and Delivery Manager

19+ years Programming and Technology experience

Tusarkanta Mohapatra

Role: Cardano Developer, Full Stack Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tusarkanta-mohapatra-550bb5258/

2+ years of experience in developer on MERN Stack

2+ years of experience in developing on Cardano Blockchain

Ashis Saha

Role: Integration and Partnership Manager

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahashis/

15+ years of experience in Hospitality domain as Integration and Partnership management

Project Management and Tech Team Management experience over 30+ years

Our team other than mentioned above includes experienced full stack developers, blockchain engineers, and community managers with expertise in building hospitality and travel solutions.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Budget: 149,000 ADA

Development: 90,000 ADA

• Core Booking Engine: 30,000 ADA
• User Interface and Experience: 20,000 ADA
• Cardano Integration (Payments, Reviews, Loyalty): 40,000 ADA

Testing and Security: 25,000 ADA

• Quality Assurance Testing: 15,000 ADA
• Smart Contract Audit: 10,000 ADA

Partner Engagement: 15,000 ADA

• Partner Presentations and Feedback Sessions: 10,000 ADA
• Future Integration Planning: 5,000 ADA

Marketing and Community Engagement: 8,000 ADA

• Cardano Community Outreach: 5,000 ADA
• Demo Materials and Documentation: 3,000 ADA

Operational Costs: 11,000 ADA

• Project Management: 7,500 ADA
• Infrastructure and Hosting: 3,500 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Value for Money: Web3Hotels.com Pilot Budget

The 150,000 ADA budget allocated for the Web3Hotels.com Pilot offers excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem. This cost-effective pilot focuses on delivering real-world impact while laying the groundwork for broader adoption and industry partnerships. Here's how the project provides strong value for money:

1. Real-World Proof of Concept at a Fraction of Full Implementation Cost:

• Cost-Effective Industry Entry: By deploying this pilot in the trillion-dollar travel industry, we are able to demonstrate Cardano's capabilities with a modest investment. Rather than launching a full-scale platform, we are focusing on a scaled-down version that proves the concept while minimizing risks and costs.
• Fraction of the Full Implementation Cost: A full rollout across multiple countries, with hundreds of hotels and millions of users, would be significantly more expensive. This pilot allows us to validate the core concept at a fraction of the price, providing a roadmap for future development.

2. Feature Showcase in a Tangible, User-Friendly Application:

• Highlighting Key Cardano Features: The pilot will demonstrate critical features of the Cardano blockchain—secure ADA payments, smart contracts, and the use of native tokens in a real-world booking platform. This hands-on application will serve as a practical demonstration of how Cardano can solve real-world problems, effectively showcasing the technology for a wide audience.
• User-Focused Design: The pilot will incorporate a simple, user-friendly interface familiar to traditional booking site users, ensuring accessibility while demonstrating blockchain’s potential.

3. Partner Engagement for Future Collaborations:

• Building Relationships with Major Industry Players: The pilot is designed to engage potential partners like HomeRez, Aleph Hospitality, and Hotelbeds. The relatively low-cost pilot will initiate conversations, demonstrating blockchain’s potential to these major travel industry players. Early engagement sets the stage for large-scale adoption in the future.
• Laying Groundwork for Larger Implementations: The pilot’s success will provide data and insights necessary for industry leaders to consider expanding Cardano-based solutions, creating future opportunities for ecosystem growth.

4. Deep Community Involvement and Feedback:

• Hands-On Experience for the Cardano Community: Cardano community members will have the opportunity to directly interact with blockchain-powered travel bookings. This pilot will allow users to experience ADA payments, blockchain-based reviews, and loyalty programs, fostering greater engagement with the technology.
• Valuable User Feedback: Community feedback will be crucial in refining the platform’s features and improving user experience, ensuring that future iterations of the platform align with user needs and preferences. Gathering this feedback early on allows for cost-efficient improvements.

5. Educational Tool for Broader Audiences:

• Concrete Example for Blockchain Applications: The pilot will serve as a learning tool for both the Cardano community and broader audiences interested in blockchain technology. By offering a tangible demonstration of Cardano’s capabilities in a non-financial sector like travel, we make it easier to explain and understand real-world blockchain applications.
• Demonstrating Blockchain Integration: The pilot will provide insights into the challenges and solutions related to integrating blockchain into traditional industries, serving as a case study for other developers and businesses interested in adopting Cardano.

6. Scalable Foundation for Future Expansion:

• Foundation for Growth: The pilot will establish a solid technical and operational foundation, allowing for scalable expansion in future phases. The insights gained and lessons learned will inform larger implementations, helping to avoid costly mistakes during expansion.
• Lean Development Approach: By focusing on essential features (ADA payments, reviews, and loyalty) and limiting the number of hotel partners (5-10), we minimize costs while validating the platform. This lean development ensures we can maximize impact with a smaller budget.

7. Demonstration of ADA Utility in Everyday Transactions:

• New Use Case for ADA: The pilot will demonstrate how ADA can be used for everyday transactions, specifically for booking travel accommodations. By introducing travelers to ADA payments, we increase the perceived value of the token and encourage broader adoption within and beyond the Cardano ecosystem.
• Lower Transaction Costs: Leveraging Cardano’s blockchain will reduce the cost of transactions compared to traditional payment systems, showcasing a key benefit for businesses and users alike.

8. Cost-Effective Development:

• Strategic Budgeting: The pilot budget has been carefully planned to prioritize core features and minimize unnecessary expenses. By limiting the scope of the pilot, we ensure that every ADA spent delivers maximum impact. Development costs have been benchmarked against industry norms for blockchain development and travel platform integrations.
• Developer and Partner Cost Justification: The budget includes costs proportional to developer rates in the blockchain space, alongside typical project management, marketing, and operational expenses. These rates have been benchmarked to ensure fair and competitive pricing while delivering high-quality outputs.

9. Validating Concept, Partner Engagement, and Future Development:

• Validating the Concept: This pilot will prove the feasibility and value of integrating blockchain into travel bookings, serving as a launchpad for further innovation and development.
• Engaging Potential Partners Early: The low-cost pilot opens the door to larger partnerships and industry interest at a minimal upfront cost, creating a high return on investment for future collaboration opportunities.
• Future Ecosystem Growth: The project’s success will drive Cardano adoption within the travel sector, providing real-world use cases that could lead to wider adoption of blockchain technology across industries.

For an initial investment of 150,000 ADA, the Web3Hotels.com Pilot delivers exceptional value by proving the viability of blockchain in a large-scale, real-world industry while fostering community engagement, generating partner interest, and setting the stage for future expansion. The potential return in terms of ecosystem growth, partner collaboration, and community involvement far outweighs the modest budget required for this proof of concept.