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GDS

What is a Global Distribution System?

What is a Global Distribution System (GDS)?

A Global Distribution System (sometimes also referred to as a ‘computerized reservation system’ or ‘CRS’) is a technical intermediary between buyers and sellers of travel content. It connects travel service providers, such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, rail companies, etc., with travel agencies and other types of travel sellers. A GDS allows travel sellers to access and book the schedules, availability and fares of multiple travel providers through one source or entry point, and compare different travel providers ' offerings.

Most GDSs also provide travel sellers with a user interface (UI) for booking travel for their customers. They may also offer application programming interface (API) solutions for travel sellers to build their own user interface and source travel content from multiple travel providers via a single connection.

How do Global Distribution Systems work?

Through the GDS, travel sellers, who often are specialized in leisure or business travel, can search for schedules, availability and fares of flights, hotel accommodation, rail seats, car rentals, and other travel-related services across multiple travel providers.

The GDS connects to each travel provider’s content database, inventory and reservation systems, so that travel sellers can search and book travel services based on real-time availability and rates. The GDS provider does not hold travel inventory.

Once the travel seller creates a booking, the GDS interacts with the travel provider’s reservation system to verify the booking.

Booking changes and cancellations may also be done directly through the GDS, and the provider’s system will be updated in real time.

Advantages of a Global Distribution System for travel providers

A GDS gives travel providers access to a vast network of travel agents and online booking platforms (or online travel agencies)
across the globe, allowing them to reach a larger customer base, beyond markets where they traditionally operate or where their brand is better known.

A GDS also enables travel providers to operate more efficiently and helps them adhere to industry standards by eliminating the need to tailor their offerings for various selling platforms.

Advantages of a Global Distribution System for travel sellers

A GDS allows travel sellers to access, search and book travel content across multiple travel providers versus searching and booking with each individual provider. This translates to easy access and comparison of offerings to help travel sellers find the best option for their customer.

Standardized booking and servicing processes across multiple travel providers also increase travel sellers’ productivity and efficiency to help them meet their business objectives.

What is a Global Distribution System?

What is a Global Distribution System (GDS)?

How do Global Distribution Systems work?

Advantages of a Global Distribution System for travel providers

Advantages of a Global Distribution System for travel sellers

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