A global distribution system (GDS) is a computerized network that is used to facilitate the booking of travel services, such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other travel-related services. These systems are typically used by travel agents and other travel industry professionals to access a wide range of travel options and make bookings on behalf of their clients.
Whether or not a GDS is right for your hotel depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of your hotel, the type of services you offer, and your target market.
If you are a small, independently-owned hotel in a remote location, for example, a GDS may not be necessary, as most of your bookings may come from local sources or direct bookings through your own website.
However, if you are a large hotel chain with multiple locations, or if you are targeting international travelers, a GDS can be a valuable tool for reaching a wider audience and increasing bookings.
What is GDS in the hotel industry?
GDS stands for “global distribution system” and is a computerized network used by travel agents and other travel industry professionals to book travel services, such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals.
In the hotel industry, GDSs are used to make hotel reservations on behalf of travelers, and can provide access to a wide range of hotel options, including availability, rates, and amenities.
Hotels can use GDSs to increase their visibility to travelers and make it easier for them to book rooms, which can help to increase bookings and revenue.
How does GDS work in travel?
A global distribution system (GDS) is a computerized network that is used to facilitate the booking of travel services, such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other travel-related services. These systems are typically used by travel agents and other travel industry professionals to access a wide range of travel options and make bookings on behalf of their clients.
When a travel agent or other user wants to book a travel service using a GDS, they typically enter the details of the trip, such as the destination, dates, and number of travelers, into the GDS.
The system then searches for available options based on the provided information and displays a list of options to the user. The user can then select the desired option and make the booking, which is confirmed in real-time through the GDS.
One of the key advantages of using a GDS is that it provides access to a wide range of travel options from multiple providers, making it easier for users to find the best deals and make the most informed decisions. Additionally, GDSs are typically updated in real-time, so users can be confident that the information they are accessing is accurate and up-to-date.
Overall, GDSs are an important tool for the travel industry, as they help to make the booking process more efficient and convenient for both travel agents and their clients.
What are the major GDS softwares?
There are several major global distribution systems (GDS) software products that are widely used in the travel and hospitality industry. These include:
- Amadeus: A comprehensive travel technology platform that provides booking, reservation, and ticketing services for airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.
- Sabre: A travel technology company that offers a range of services, including booking and ticketing, as well as marketing and distribution solutions for the travel industry.
- Travelport: A global travel technology company that provides booking, ticketing, and other travel services to travel agencies, corporations, and online travel websites.
- Galileo: A GDS owned by Travelport that offers a range of travel technology solutions, including booking, ticketing, and marketing services.
- Worldspan: A travel technology company that provides booking, ticketing, and other travel services to travel agencies and corporations.
- Orbitz: An online travel company that provides booking and other travel services to consumers and businesses.
These GDS systems are used by travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel and hospitality providers to manage bookings, reservations, and other aspects of travel. They are also used by consumers to search for and book travel arrangements online.
Benefits of a GDS for your hotel
There are several benefits of using a global distribution system (GDS) for your hotel:
- Increased visibility: GDS systems are used by travel agencies and other travel companies to search for and book accommodations, so having your hotel listed on a GDS can increase the visibility of your property to potential guests.
- Easier bookings: GDS systems allow customers to book rooms at your hotel directly through their platform, which can make the booking process more convenient for both you and your guests.
- Increased revenue: By using a GDS, you can reach a larger audience of potential guests, which can lead to an increase in bookings and revenue for your hotel.
- Improved efficiency: GDS systems allow you to manage bookings, reservations, and other aspects of your hotel’s operations more efficiently, which can save you time and resources.
- Enhanced data management: GDS systems provide detailed data on your hotel’s bookings, reservations, and other operations, which can help you make informed decisions about your business.
Overall, using a GDS can help you reach a wider audience of potential guests, streamline your hotel’s operations, and increase revenue.
Disadvantages of not having a GDS for your hotel
There are several disadvantages to not having a Global Distribution System (GDS) for a hotel:
- Limited visibility: GDSs are used by travel agents, online travel agencies, and other distribution channels to search for and book hotel rooms. If a hotel is not listed on a GDS, it may not be visible to these potential guests.
- Reduced bookings: Not being listed on a GDS can significantly reduce the number of bookings a hotel receives. Many travelers use GDSs to book their travel arrangements, and if a hotel is not listed, it may miss out on these bookings.
- Decreased revenue: A reduced number of bookings can lead to a decrease in revenue for the hotel.
- Limited reach: GDSs are used globally, and being listed on one can help a hotel reach a wider audience. Not being listed on a GDS can limit the reach of the hotel, particularly in markets where GDSs are widely used.
- Difficulty in managing inventory: GDSs provide a centralized system for managing inventory and rates, making it easier for hotels to manage their rooms and rates. Without a GDS, hotels may have to manually update their inventory and rates on multiple websites and distribution channels. This can be time-consuming and may result in errors or discrepancies.
In summary, not having a GDS can limit the visibility, bookings, and revenue of a hotel, and make it more difficult to manage inventory and rates.
How to access leading GDSs with GDS software
There are several ways to access leading global distribution systems (GDSs) with GDS software:
- Connect directly: Many hotels and other travel and hospitality businesses have a direct connection to a GDS through an interface provided by the GDS company. This allows the business to access the GDS’s database and functions directly, and make bookings and reservations for their guests.
- Use a third-party system: Some businesses use third-party software systems that are integrated with multiple GDSs, allowing them to access and use the services of multiple GDSs through a single interface. These systems may also offer additional features and tools, such as booking and reservation management, rate management, and reporting.
- Use an online booking platform: Some hotels and other travel and hospitality businesses use online booking platforms that are integrated with GDSs. This allows them to list their properties and services on the platform, and allows customers to book rooms and other services directly through the platform.
To access a GDS with GDS software, you will typically need to sign up for an account with the GDS company or the third-party software provider, and follow their instructions for setting up and using the system. You may need to provide information about your business and your travel and hospitality offerings, and may also need to pay a fee for the service.
Is the GDS suited to your hotel?
Whether a global distribution system (GDS) is suited to your hotel depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of your hotel, the type of guests you serve, and your business goals. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a GDS for your hotel are as follows:
Benefits:
- Increased visibility: GDSs are used by travel agencies and other travel companies to search for and book accommodations, so having your hotel listed on a GDS can increase the visibility of your property to potential guests.
- Easier bookings: GDSs allow customers to book rooms at your hotel directly through their platform, which can make the booking process more convenient for both you and your guests.
- Increased revenue: By using a GDS, you can reach a larger audience of potential guests, which can lead to an increase in bookings and revenue for your hotel.
- Improved efficiency: GDSs allow you to manage bookings, reservations, and other aspects of your hotel’s operations more efficiently, which can save you time and resources.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Using a GDS may require you to pay a fee for the service, which can be a significant expense for smaller hotels.
- Limited control: When using a GDS, you may have less control over the booking process and the information that is displayed about your hotel.
- Dependency on the GDS: Your hotel’s visibility and bookings may depend on the popularity and functionality of the GDS you use, so if the GDS experiences technical issues or becomes less popular, it could impact your business.
Ultimately, whether a GDS is suited to your hotel will depend on your specific business needs and goals. It may be worth considering using a GDS if you are looking to increase the visibility and bookings of your hotel, but you should carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
