OpenTravel is a not-for-profit trade association that develops data messaging structures in order to facilitate communication between the many facets of the travel industry. It is the travel industry's only open-source, interoperability data standard. Using OpenTravel messaging, travelers can search, book, pay and check-in/out in a completely contactless environment.

"We see solid strategic alignment between the mission of OpenTravel Alliance and that of the OpenAPI Initiative," said Jeff ErnstFriedman, Executive Director at OpenTravel Alliance. "We share a goal of promoting open standards in the API economy and OAI is the nexus for all aspects of generating an API marketplace. We are looking forward to bringing the voice of the travel industry to the 2020 API Specifications Conference being held Sept 9 - 10."

Tens of thousands of OpenTravel messaging structures are currently in use. The open source standard encompass air, rail, cruise, golf, tour packages, ground transportation, hotel and car rentals. The organization got its start using an XML messaging system, but has since made OpenTravel Messaging available in JSON, WSDL and OpenAPI Spec.

To help the travel industry adapt to COVID-19, OpenTravel has rolled out a new COVID protocol messaging system. In the upcoming release OpenTravel messaging will include capabilities that allow travel companies to take advantage of the pent-up demand and increase revenue.

"Our technology allows for interoperability between suppliers that will increase revenue opportunities and decrease technology costs," ErnstFriedman said. "The interoperability component of OpenTravel Messaging will allow for a seamless traveler experience that will reduce physical touchpoints and expedite the movement of travelers throughout their journey."

"OpenTravel Alliance is an exciting addition to the OpenAPI Initiative," said Marsh Gardiner, Product Manager, Google Cloud, and Technical Steering Committee member, OpenAPI Initiative. "Standardizing how APIs are described to streamline development makes good sense for many different industries, and travel in particular can benefit."

OpenAPI Resources

To learn more about how to participate in the evolution of the OpenAPI Specification: https://www.openapis.org/participate/how-to-contribute

About the OpenAPI Initiative

The OpenAPI Initiative (OAI) was created by a consortium of forward-looking industry experts who recognize the immense value of standardizing on how APIs are described. As an open governance structure under the Linux Foundation, the OAI is focused on creating, evolving and promoting a vendor neutral description format. The OpenAPI Specification was originally based on the Swagger Specification, donated by SmartBear Software. To get involved with the OpenAPI Initiative, please visit https://www.openapis.org

About Linux Foundation

Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation is supported by more than 1,000 members and is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, open standards, open data, and open hardware. Linux Foundation projects like Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js and more are considered critical to the development of the world's most important infrastructure. Its development methodology leverages established best practices and addresses the needs of contributors, users and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org.

About the Open Travel Alliance 

OpenTravel Alliance is passionate about solving the challenges of connecting multiple systems within the complex travel distribution ecosystem. Our mission is to enable the future of travel by driving the evolving AI driven digital experience for consumers. OpenTravel Alliance creates, expands and drives adoption of open specifications — including XML and JSON — with partners such as LF OpenAPI which is incorporated into our tooling for the electronic exchange of business information across all sectors of the travel industry. Our membership includes airlines, hotel companies, car rental firms, cruise lines, railways, tour operators, travel agencies, solutions providers and technology vendors. Billions of OpenTravel message structures are used daily, carrying billions of messages between trading partners. Future innovations, partnering with Overture and other LF foundations, will be to deliver
universal open travel offers allowing all travel related products to be published for sale in a consistent secure digital means sellable by any retailer with an agreement with the product owner. A key enabler of AI agents in this space. Learn more about offers. Founded in 1999 as a not-for-profit trade association, OTA became a member of The Linux Foundation in 2020 and continues to evolve while maintaining its essential role in standardizing travel industry messaging. For more information, visit www.opentravel.org.