(August 12, 2009) - The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel), the travel industry's leading distribution specification standards development organization, announced its board of directors for 2009-2010. For the first time, the board includes representatives from the timeshare/vacation rental and tour operators segments.
"The travel distribution world is changing, and OpenTravel is changing along with it. We know emerging travel segments like vacation rental, golf and tour operators are poised to explode their online distribution capabilities," said Valyn Perini, executive director of OpenTravel. "With representation on the board from companies in the vanguard of these emerging segments, we are well-positioned to provide to these segmentsthe value of standard messaging and interoperability."
Air Carrier Board Representative
Michelle Aaron, Director Application Development, PSS Replacement, American Airlines
Hotel Company Board Representative
Lisa Fues, Director of Reservations, Inventory and Distribution, Marriott International
Rental Car Company Board Representatives
John Turato, Vice President Technology, Avis Budget Group
James White, Director of Global Automated Marketing, The Hertz Corporation
At-Large Supplier Board Representative
Eric Mason, Vice President Global Product Development, Group RCI/Wyndham Worldwide
Non-Supplier Board Representatives
Greg Berman, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, HBSi, an IBS Group Company
Lew Harasymiw, Director of Interface Solutions, SynXis/Sabre
Stephen Joyce, Chief Executive Officer, RezGo
Kevin Short, Client Industry Executive for Global Travel and Hospitality, EDS
International Board Representative
John Lambe, Chief Technology Office, OpenJaw Technologies
"The travel community is made up of hundreds of players, many of which have not been a part of the e-distribution landscape. I'm excited about the opportunity to help shape distribution standards for the tens of thousands of small businesses that make up the tour and activity segment," said Stephen Joyce, CEO of RezGo. "The impact standards will have on this emerging segment will be significant, will help drive local economies and open up a world of distribution opportunities for enterprises both large and small. OpenTravel has a big role to play in fostering innovation in this relatively untapped and under-represented segment of the travel community."