October 31, 2005 – WASHINGTON, DC - The OpenTravel™Alliance (OTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Valyn Perini as its Executive Director.

Published: 31 Oct 2005

October 31, 2005 – WASHINGTON, DC - The OpenTravel™Alliance (OTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Valyn Perini as its Executive Director.

Valyn Perini is the right choice at the right time for the OTA to propel adoption and membership growth within the OTA’s many travel industry verticals.

Ms. Perini moves into the OTA executive role after a successful career spanning more than fifteen years in hospitality and travel operations, sales and marketing, systems, consulting, and software development. She has worked for the hospitality industry in areas including revenue management, distribution, groups and information technology, in the US and abroad. As a principal consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, she focused on a wide array of initiatives including business plan development, systems strategy, selection and implementation for cruise lines, hotel companies, technology vendors and the federal government. At Newmarket International, a software solutions provider, Ms. Perini oversaw the company’s new product definition and development.

“Valyn has emerged as one of the travel industry’s most respected authorities,” said John Turato, Chairman of OTA and Vice President of Technology for the Cendant Car Rental Group. “At this point in the OTA’s growth cycle, we consider ourselves fortunate to have an individual with Valyn’s experience and reputation of innovation and delivery taking up the role of Executive Director,” said Turato. “Valyn is an individual with integrity, intelligence, and intensity who will make a significant contribution to our ongoing success.”

Ms. Perini has a history of service to the industry, including three years as a member of the HEDNA (Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) board of directors, membership on the HITEC Advisory Committee and active participation in the OTA’s Hotel Work Group. Prior to her appointment as the Executive Director of the OTA, Ms. Perini worked for Newmarket International, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels, based in Atlanta, New York, Zurich, Switzerland, and Washington, DC.

Upcoming OpenTravel™Alliance Activities

In December, the OTA working groups will release their 2005B specifications, including check-in request and response messages specifically for airline self-service channels (kiosks, web and mobile); enhancements to the RFP meeting messages for hotels; a vehicle exchange message for rental cars; and several new messages for cruise including cabin, fare and category availability.

OTA’s popular Advisory Forum will be held in April 2006 in the western United States. Details will be forthcoming soon.

The OpenTravel™Alliance Mission

OTA’s mission is the creation, expansion, and adoption of open universal data specifications, including but not limited to the use of XML, for the electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry.

About The OpenTravel™Alliance

OTA develops communications specifications to allow for the efficient and effective exchange of travel industry information via the Internet. With more than 160 members representing influential names in all sectors of the travel industry, OTA is comprised of representatives from the airlines, car rental firms, hotels, cruise lines, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, and trade associations. OTA working groups develop open internet-compatible messages using XML, which are currently in use by companies across the travel spectrum.