Developing Dynamic Packaging Applications Using Semantic Web-Based Integration

Abstract

Dynamic packaging has been introduced as an innovative technology allowing for the automated online configuration and assembling of packaged travel products for individual customers. Dynamic packaging applications require a suitable integration of heterogeneous, autonomous, and distributed tourism information systems. This integration is a complex and difficult issue. The Semantic Web, a relatively new concept, brings a set of emerging technologies and models that need to be explored and evaluated to assert its use for the implementation of more integrated dynamic packaging applications. In this chapter, we analyze dynamic packaging application requirements and present an architecture that enables the integration of tourism data sources and creation of dynamic packages using semantic annotation, semantic rules, ontologies, Web services, and Web processes. We will recognize that the Semantic Web is a good candidate able to supply a solution for overcoming the interoperability problems that (current) dynamic packaging applications face.