We’ve been blogging a bit about API integration in the hospitality industry. Today we talk about GDS, and why it is important. GDS on your website is the only information that visitors will see, and probably the first place where they are going to search for flight schedule. So, more visit results in more visibility, and hence more reservation.

In the year 1953, the process for one flight reservation took somewhere between 90 minutes to 3 hours. Thanks to IBM and American Airlines that introduced SABRE, the first mainframe-based system for the airline industry. Today, online travel agents and agencies use more sophisticated GDS systems to enable customers’ search for the best travel options. The process is completed within minutes.

GDS (The Global Distribution System) is the most important element viz-a-viz reservation for travel agents. It enables centralized data, real-time availability, pricing, and reservation functionalities. The main GDS providers in the travel industry are Sabre, Amadeus, Worldspan, and Galilio, and together they are enabling agents to transact loads of travel transaction. Needless to say that GDS will continue to bridge the important channel partners and distribution for airlines, Hotels, and Car rentals.

Future of GDS

GDS has proved to be a reliable segment in the travel industry for speed, security, and accuracy. The future of GDS is very huge, and it will continue to be a robust platform for the travel industry. As of now, there is no alternative for GDS, and if it manages to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of the airline industry there is no beating it. We have seen the popularity of OTA models how it shifted from merchant to an agency model. Today the GDS powers OTAs, including traditional travel agency platforms. Travel agents use third party travel APIs or GDS integration for online reservation.

The most vital element when providing end-to-end B2B & B2C GDS solution is, to understand the travel agent’s needs and issues. GDS integration is used for the smooth functioning of the GDS system. It’s about enabling easy access to the travel distribution program. Also important to note is that when GDS XML Web Services is integrated directly into your website, the identity and design of the website are not changed.

One of the services that Vafion technologies provides is GDS API integration. We have the expertise to provide an effortless way to sync your rates through one channel to various GDS and OTAs. Through GDS your property gets maximum exposure on major websites and travel agent systems. If you have a thought about GDS integration and want to know more, call us or share your details, and we’ll get back to you.

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