An announcement from the OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) describes a public review release of the enhanced Version 2002A XML Message Specification. This version of the OTA specification "addresses multiple levels of interoperability across the travel verticals, enabling organizations of all sizes to implement complex online transactions. It incorporates cross-industry components such as customer, payment and flight arrival information in many of the OTA messages so that travel trading partners will more easily be able to communicate essential traveler information." New release materials include an overview document and a collection of some 103 OTA XML Schema Definition files. "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." The review period ends July 19, 2002 and final publication of this OTA specification is scheduled for July 31, 2002.

The OpenTravel Alliance 2002A Message Specification overview presents "a brief description of the OTA 2002A Specification RQ/RS message pairs. For a more detailed definition of the messages, one should refer to the OTA XML Schema Definition files (XSDs). Major contents: Section 1 - The Air Working Group; Section 2 - The Car Working Group; Section 3 - The Hotel Working Group; Section 4 - Package Tour Messages; Section 5 - Golf Messages ; Section 6 - Travel Insurance Messages. Mapping documents that demonstrate the changes between 2001B and 2002A messages for the Car Working Group, Hotel Working Group, Package Tour Messages, and Golf Messages will accompany this final specification."

From the announcement: "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 (OTA) is a "self-funded, non-profit organization comprised of major airlines, hoteliers, car rental companies, leisure suppliers, travel agencies, global distribution systems (GDS), technology providers and other interested parties working to create and implement industry-wide, open e-business specifications. These specifications form a common e-business language that will encourage development of systems to create new collections of services to better meet the demands and expectations of travelers and the travel industry."