GDS API integration or Global Distribution System is
a worldwide computerized reservation system that is used as a single point of
access for booking airline seats, hotel rooms, rental car services etc. the GDS
network holds everything about your services including information about rate
and availability, and inventory. From these resources, many travel portals
gather all the available information and show it in their search results.
Initially, the travel agents log into any one of the three major GDS systems in
order to retrieve the property information.
These three major GDS API integration systems are Galileo, Sabre, and
Amadeus.
History
of Origins
Originally GDS was designed to help the travel
agents track the information on flight schedule, availability of the seats,
price, flight booking etc. Later, these were extended to travel agents in order
to offer the complete travel packages such as air tickets, hotel room
reservation, rental car service etc. These days, Global Distribution Systems
help the user book tickets from more than one providers or airline services.
These systems are also regarded as the backend of most of the online travel
agencies. It can effectively link the services, bookings, and rates of all the
three modules (flight booking, hotel reservation, and rental car services.
Classification
GDS Integration Solution
Galileo
Galileo is one of the Global Distribution Systems
that has been introduced by Travel port. This GDS
API integration has been designed to search and book
flights, trains, rental cars, and hotels rooms.
Sabre
The GDS Sabre is owned by Sabre Holding. This GDS
system possesses more than 400 airlines, 100,000 hotels, 50 rails, and 14
cruise lines.
Amadeus
Amadeus is controlled by Amadeus IT group. It is the
most trusted medium of selling flight tickets from multiple airline services.
Important
Features of GDS API Integration
·
24*7 Availability
·
Online Market Research
·
Coverage
·
Expanded Coverage
·
Online Distribution Strategy
·
No or less Maintenance
The information gathered in the Central Reservation
System for the airlines or the hotel chain is copied to the GDS network
automatically.
Some
Important Facts about GDS API Integration:
How
much expense is required to spend on GDS?
Pricing of
GDS is not a huge amount and it is based on the initial set-up charge, a small
amount of charge per month, and the transaction fee.
How
long do GDS Systems take to be turned on?
The entire process will be completed within 4 to 6
weeks and 2 weeks will be required for visibility. Once, the setup forms have
been done, you need to create an account using the provided information.
What
are the most likely Systems Supported by GDS API Integration?
Global Distribution System includes high traffic
travel portals or channels such as Expedia,
Hotels.com, Travelocity, AAA, Hotwire, Priceline etc.
A
Final Takeaway
In this age,
no travel agency can survive without GDS API integration system. If are yet to
introduce GDS to your travel agency, you might be losing a number of
opportunities. GDS API solution can bring in profit beyond your expectation.
