BANGALORE, INDIA: At a recent announcement made by Open Travel Alliance (OTA), Alan E Young, head of IBS' Canada operations, has been elected the chairperson of the organization's Board of Directors and officers for 2008-2009.

Alan Young has over 24 years of travel industry experience with extensive knowledge of hotel information systems, particularly on developing software applications for the global hospitality industry primarily in the property management and central reservations areas.

Young's focus during the past years has been to aid hospitality technology start-up companies within the on-line travel distribution arena, most notably Newtrade Technologies, where he was vice president of hotel systems and integration.

Prior to joining IBS, as head of its Canada operations, Young was vice president, supplier sales for Hotel Booking Solutions Incorporated (HBSi) recently acquired by the IBS Group.

Alan Young said: "With the ever changing dynamics of the travel industry, OTA will become even more important to both the vendor and supplier communities because implementing the standard has proven cost and efficiency benefits. This is a very exciting time for OTA and I am honoured to help guide the direction of OpenTravel"

V K Mathews, Chairman and CEO, IBS Group said, "IBS has always had the best industry talent, to fulfil our committment to deliver new-generation technology solutions that help the travel industry redefine its business."