In this blog, you will come to know about the global distribution system in detail. So stay tuned to this blog.
Global Distribution System
About Global Distribution System
- The full form of GDS is the Global Distribution System. GDS is a computer reservation that has made it easier for a travel agent to book hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, etc. GDS is a path where travel agents, vendors, or suppliers can converse and share information. With the help of GDS, bookings are made quickly and it also saves time.
- Day by day GDS is increasing and now it has become an important part of the travel and tourism industry. Nowadays most travel agency uses GDS because it is helpful software. GDS is linked with the CRS and CRS is used to display airline information according to this traveler’s choice and also the reports of competitors.
- Through GDS travel agents can compare the rates that they are getting from the tourism vendor and book the best according to price and service for the traveler. It provides 24 hours of customer support. GDS system contains travelers’ information which includes name, contact, address, payment method, etc. It is also considered the electronic system of issuing tickets and booking reservations for travelers.
- It also allows you to make special requests such as meals, seat assignments, preferences, etc. GDS system gives details of travel booking to the travel which makes him remember, easy to see the record, etc. GDS systems are promoted by travel agents in tourism markets as they provide our offer, incentives, etc.
- GDS serves as a link between travel-related services and travel agencies. Nowadays GDS is also used by online travel agencies. For pricing updates and reservation management, it connects with various travel suppliers across the world. GDS system also receives and sends information to the personal computer. It comprises various software and databases.
- GDS tells information in detail for example flight availability, flight schedule, arrival and departure time, price of the flight, name of the flight, agents, etc. It works globally by connecting various travel agents and service providers and it also provides a payment facility to collect from the customers as per their confirmed booking.
- Once the booking is confirmed, GDS sends notifications, updates, and reminders to the customer and travel agent. If a travel agency is making any booking of its client through GDS then the travel agency gets the commission. It has made booking more flexible for travel agents.
Customers, vendors, or suppliers can converse to select the flight, cruise, hotel, car rental, etc. - After booking the service from GDS, it generates the PNR in which all details of the customer like name, address, contact, and payment method are stored. PNR also generates a single booking reference number and it helps to find the passenger’s details easily. Through GDS travel agent can make a FIT itinerary, change the travel date and as per the requirement make some arrangements.
- In 1976 first CRS was introduced by Apollo and United Airlines. Various airlines rental hotels, car rental companies, cruises, etc. list their inventory on GDS and GDS fits all these things into a specific color or category so that if a travel agent checks the availability will show the correct availability and information This is how it works and it keeps on updating.
- Nowadays most travel agents directly book through GDS once they find the perfect travel product according to the consumer’s needs and wants. After booking the reservations, it sends a confirmation to the travel agent, and then the travel agent sends it to the customer.
Here are some software of the GDS system:-
- Amadeus
- Galileo
- Sabre
- Worldspan
- Travel port
- Sabre Red workspace
- Amadeus selling platform
- Infini
- Globalware solutions
- Worldspan Go
- Galileo Desktop
Advantages
- It simplifies the booking and reservation for travel agent
- It provides accurate information related to price , availability and reservation.
- Making booking from GDS saves time of tourist and travel agent.
- They provide various discounts and special offers which helps travel agent to negotiate with customer.
- GDS system have the global reach and has access to provide travel inventory.
Disadvantages
- It could be expensive for travel service provider.
- GDS system can be only be use by the professional or by an expertise.
- Sometimes it leads to lack of booking sources
- Travel agencies has to pay commission on each booking
- Sometimes giving details of customer to GDS can be a security concern.
Features of GDS
- Good inventory of travel related services
- Provides real data
- Bulk booking can be done
- Access to Global Reach
- Manages multiple booking for many customers
- Raise invoice of multiple bookings in a single invoice
- GDS system Available 24*7
- Provides training
- Customer support service
- Accept multi currencies
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FAQs
Name the largest GDS system.
The largest GDS system is Amadeus.
What are GDS hotel codes?
GDS hotel codes are the short name or shortcut which helps travel agent to find a booking.
Name the GDS used in India.
The GDS used in India are Amadeus, Sabre, Worldspan, Apollo, and Galileo.
Which is the oldest GDS?
Sabre is the oldest GDS.
Conclusion
In today’s generation GDS system have become the most powerful tool in terms of booking and making reservations. It has power and capacity to reach globally and can handle multiple booking and can satisfied the customer by offering discounted rates. As GDS system have Information of various people so it should be kept safely and secure so that no one can misuse it.