GDS System – BookingXML A global distribution system (GDS) is a network operated by a company that facilitates automated transactions between third parties and booking agents in order to give travel-related services to the end consumers. A Global Distribution System or GDS can link services, rates and bookings, consolidating products and services across all three travel sectors: i.e., airline reservations, hotel reservations, car rentals, and activities. GDS is different from a computer reservations system, which is a reservation system used by the respective vendors. Primary clients of GDS are travel representatives (both online and office-based) to make reservations on several reservations systems run by the vendors. What is a global distribution system (GDS)? A global distribution system, or GDS, is a computer network used by travel companies and other distributors to book airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel-related services. A travel agent can gain information, such as real-time rates and room accessibility, through GDS. Then, when a travel agent makes a booking, the GDS system will send this information to the hotel’s booking system to provide that it is accurately updated. The GDS was generated to remove the need for manual input at either end of the booking process – which used to be time-consuming and often, inaccurate. How does a global distribution system work? Global distribution systems are an intermediary between vendors, such as hotels and airlines, and service providers, such as online travel companies. While most big GDSs are associated with the major travel agencies, smaller, less-cost GDSs may give a limited number of travel companies. Vendors sign up and link their own listing to a global distribution system. Once associated, clients can use the different portals associated with GDS to purchase from a vendor. To avoid overbooking, each service provider receives real-time updated listings from the airline or hospitality company (vendor). Not only do vendors show their inventory, but they can immediately update products and rates. BookingXML allows vendors to use a dynamic price method that immediately changes over all of their portals. What are the major GDS systems? The majority of the data from hotels, airlines, and other distributors is stored and processed by a few large global distribution systems. • Amadeus GDS system • Sabre GDS system • Galileo GDS system • Travelport GDS system • Worldspan GDS system • Apollo GDS system • Pegasus GDS system How important is GDS System to travel agents? • Travel agents or agencies use the GDS system to search for the best option in terms of travel, hotel accommodations. • GDS system also supports the travel websites like Booking.com, Trip Advisor, etc. • GDS provides important features like Airfare searches, availability, connectivity, policies, etc. https://www.bookingxml.com/gds-system.php