OpenTravel seeks comment on XML version

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia -- The OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) has released Version 2002A of its Extensible Markup Language (XML) specification for public review. Addressing multiple levels of interoperability across the travel verticals, Version 2002A enables organizations of all sizes to implement complex online transactions.

The public review period extends through July 19, 2002 with final publication of the specification scheduled for July 31, 2002.

"The 2002A specification makes extensive use of OTA best practices and shared specification components, allowing for greater interoperability across all travel sectors," said OTA President Mike Kistner, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Best Western International. "By incorporating such cross-industry components as customer, payment and flight arrival information in many of the OTA messages, travel trading partners will more easily be able to communicate essential traveler information."

Some of the key features in 2002A include the ability for users to:

▪ Check on airline flight availability, either by low fare search or availability of flights for each leg of the journey, and book an air reservation.

▪ Request and reserve car rentals, with the capability to request special equipment, such as baby seats and hand controls.

▪ Search for specific hotels with numerous customer preferences, check for availability, and make a reservation.

▪ Request and book comprehensive package holiday tours along with a variety of itinerary elements such as transportation, accommodation, car rental, special services and extra products.

▪ Search for golf courses, inquire on availability, and book a tee time.

▪ Get and book quotes on various types of travel insurance.

The OpenTravel Alliance develops communications specifications to allow for the efficient and effective exchange of travel industry information via the Internet. With over 150 members representing influential names in all sectors of the travel industry, OTA is comprised of representatives from the airlines, car rental firms, hotels, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, and trade associations.

OTA working groups, together with an OTA interoperability committee to coordinate their efforts, develop open Internet-compatible messages using XML.

Helping travel industry

The OpenTravel Alliance's stated purpose is to help the travel industry take full advantage of the near universal access to the Internet. Internet and related technologies can significantly affect the way the travel industry operates and reaches customers throughout the global economy. Travel industry business and technology leaders responsible for product distribution are working together through the OTA to transform the travel industry into one global supermarket of products and services. This will be realized through development of a commonly accepted communications process using XML.

In addition to working with other organizations such as, Travel Technology Initiative (TTI) and the UN/CEFACT, the OTA has enhanced its structure to allow for work to be completed within Project Teams. These teams support the completion of work within or across travel industry verticals as well as can address specific needs within and across geographic regions.

Meetings in Europe

Additionally to support a growing global membership, the OTA holds meetings in Europe (an OTA Advisory Forum and a Board meeting will be offered in Europe in 2002, as well as future Project Team meetings or Work Group meetings, as needed). It also holds conference calls at times convenient to many time zones -- especially non-US time zones. Overall, the goal of the OTA is to have meetings in hub-cities for easy access to all members.

To use the Internet along with established distribution channels, OTA advocates that the travel industry needs common technical specifications for the electronic communication of information. OTA specifications provide an agreed to format for exchanging data between and among travelers and travel-related businesses. These specifications encourage development of interoperable systems that can help create and support new collections of travel services to better meet the demands and expectations of travelers and the travel industry. 

Through implementation, the specification will facilitate improved connectivity and facilitate the exchange of trip-centric information between all industry participants. About OTA Specifications Development OpenTravel, the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and the Internet provide an opportunity for the travel industry to communicate across multi-channels using a common language.