What Is the GDS in Hospitality and Tourism Industry?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re looking to book a hotel or a flight, chances are you’ll come across the term GDS in the hospitality and tourism industry. So, what exactly is a GDS?

GDS stands for Global Distribution System.

A GDS is essentially a computerized network system that allows travel agencies and other hospitality industry professionals to access real-time information regarding airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel-related services. It’s essentially a one-stop-shop for all things travel-related.

How does it work?

Travel agencies connect to the GDS through specialized software, which allows them to search for availability and pricing information across multiple airlines and hotels. This information is constantly updated in real-time, so travel agents can quickly find the best deals and make reservations on behalf of their clients.

The GDS also serves as a platform for communication between travel agencies and suppliers (i.e., airlines and hotels). Suppliers can use the GDS to distribute their inventory to travel agents around the world. This means that even small independent hotels or airlines can reach a wider audience through the GDS network.

Why is it important?

The GDS has become an integral part of the hospitality and tourism industry because it streamlines the booking process for both travelers and industry professionals. Travelers can rely on their travel agent to find them the best deals across multiple suppliers without having to do extensive research themselves.

For industry professionals, using a GDS can save time and increase efficiency when managing bookings for large groups or corporate clients. It also allows them to offer more options to their clients since they have access to inventory from multiple suppliers.

The major players:

There are three major players in the GDS market: Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. These companies provide access to hundreds of thousands of hotels, airlines, car rental companies, cruise lines, rail providers, and tour operators around the world.

The future of GDS:

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the GDS. New players are entering the market, such as Google’s new travel platform, which aims to provide a more personalized and intuitive booking experience. However, the GDS network is still expected to remain a crucial part of the hospitality and tourism industry for years to come.

In conclusion, the GDS is a vital component of the hospitality and tourism industry. It allows travel agencies and other professionals to access real-time information on travel-related services from multiple suppliers around the world.

As technology advances, we can expect to see further developments in this space. But for now, if you’re looking to book your next trip, chances are you’ll be using a GDS without even realizing it.