Verification
Verification is third-party validation. When a Curator verifies a venue, they issue a cryptographically signed credential that AI agents can trust.
Why verification matters
Self-reported claims only go so far. When VisitScotland confirms a venue meets their quality standards, that carries independent weight. Verification turns "we say we're good" into "they confirmed we're good."
Curators
Curators are trusted third parties who can verify venues:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| National DMO | VisitScotland, Tourism Ireland |
| Regional DMO | Visit Edinburgh, Fáilte Ireland |
| Industry body | AA, Hotel Association |
| Certification | Green Key, Michelin |
| Accessibility | AccessAble |
Each Curator has defined criteria and a verification process.
Verifiable Credentials
When a Curator verifies a venue, they issue a W3C Verifiable Credential. This is a standardised format that's cryptographically signed, machine-readable, and instantly verifiable.
The credential captures who issued it, who it's about, what's being verified, and when it expires.
What agents can do with verification
Verified venues give agents more confidence when making recommendations. When a guest asks for quality accommodation, verified venues stand out. Agents can explain which third parties have validated a venue and what they verified.