The Ultimate Guide to GDS Integration: Everything You Need to Know
In the travel industry, understanding Global Distribution Systems (GDS) is essential for travel agents and online travel agencies (OTAs) alike. These systems serve as intermediaries between travel providers and agents, offering access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of GDS integration, including the major GDS providers, the steps to connect to GDSs, and the benefits of using GDS API integration for your travel agency.
What is a GDS?
A Global Distribution System, commonly known as GDS, is a computer network that connects travel agents and OTAs with multiple travel service providers. The primary function of a GDS is to aggregate inventory, schedules, and fares from various providers, allowing agents and OTAs to search and book travel services. GDSs can be accessed through connectivity APIs for online booking platforms or via a manual terminal for travel agents.
The concept of GDSs emerged out of the need to distribute flight tickets efficiently. Today, GDSs play a crucial role in the travel industry by providing a centralized platform for accessing and booking travel services. The three main GDS providers that we will discuss in this guide are Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.
The Three Main GDS Providers
Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport are the leading GDS providers in the market. Each of these GDSs covers a wide range of travel services and operates globally. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Amadeus
Amadeus is considered the most versatile GDS, offering access to approximately 490 airlines, 770,000 hospitality properties, 69 car rental companies, 43 railway carriers, and 53 cruise and ferry lines. With its extensive inventory and global reach, Amadeus is a popular choice for travel agents and OTAs worldwide.
Sabre
Sabre is another major player in the GDS market, offering a comprehensive range of travel services. It provides access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel products. Sabre is known for its advanced technology solutions and robust connectivity, making it a preferred choice for many travel agencies.
Travelport (Apollo, Galileo, and Worldspan)
Travelport is a GDS that combines the functionalities of three separate systems: Apollo, Galileo, and Worldspan. This consolidation allows Travelport to offer a wide range of travel services and extensive connectivity options. Travelport is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive inventory, making it a valuable resource for travel agents and OTAs.
How to Connect to GDSs Step by Step
If you’re considering entering the travel booking industry, connecting to a GDS is a crucial step. The following step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of connecting to GDSs and starting your travel booking business:
- Obtain IATA or ARC Accreditation
Before connecting to GDSs, it’s recommended to obtain accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). While this accreditation is not mandatory for using a GDS, it establishes your credibility within the industry and enables you to provide ticketing services. The application process for accreditation typically involves demonstrating industry experience, acquiring a business license, and meeting financial criteria.
- Complete GDS Terminal Training
To effectively use a GDS, it’s essential to undergo training on the specific GDS system you plan to integrate with. GDS providers and third-party training platforms offer courses
and certifications that cover various aspects of GDS operations. These training programs equip travel agents with the necessary skills to navigate the GDS terminal, formulate queries, and find the best travel options based on their agreements with suppliers.
- Choose the Right GDS Provider
Once you have completed the necessary training, it’s time to select the GDS provider that best suits your business needs. Consider factors such as the size of the provider’s inventory, the range of services offered, the level of technical support provided, and the associated costs. Assessing these factors will help you make an informed decision and choose the GDS provider that aligns with your business goals.
- Sign Up and Obtain API Access
To connect to a GDS, you will need to sign up with the chosen provider and obtain API access. GDS providers typically offer different API options based on your specific requirements. These APIs enable seamless integration of the GDS inventory into your booking platform or application. It’s important to work closely with the GDS provider’s technical team to ensure a smooth integration process.
- Develop Your Booking Platform or Application
Once you have obtained API access, you can start developing your booking platform or application. This involves building the necessary functionalities to search for and book travel services using the GDS inventory. Depending on your technical capabilities, you can either develop the platform in-house or seek assistance from a software development company specializing in travel technology.
- Test and Launch Your Platform
Before launching your booking platform or application, it’s crucial to thoroughly test its functionality and performance. Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that the integration with the GDS is seamless and that all features are working as expected. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can officially launch your platform and start offering travel services to your customers.
Benefits of GDS API Integration for Travel Agencies
GDS API integration offers several benefits for travel agencies:
Access to a Vast Inventory of Travel Services
By integrating with a GDS, travel agencies gain access to an extensive inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. This allows them to offer a wide range of options to their customers, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Real-Time Availability and Pricing Information
GDS API integration ensures that travel agencies have access to real-time availability and pricing information. This enables them to provide up-to-date and accurate travel options to their customers, enhancing their overall booking experience.
Streamlined Booking Process
Integrating with a GDS simplifies the booking process for travel agencies. They can utilize the GDS API to search for and book travel services directly from their own platform or application, eliminating the need for manual bookings or reliance on multiple systems.
Increased Revenue Opportunities
GDS integration opens up new revenue opportunities for travel agencies. They can earn commissions on bookings made through their platform or application, allowing them to generate additional revenue streams and increase their profitability.
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
By automating the booking process through GDS integration, travel agencies can streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency. This not only saves time but also enables travel agents to focus on providing personalized service to their customers.
Conclusion
GDS integration is essential for travel agencies and OTAs looking to establish a strong presence in the travel booking industry. By connecting to GDSs, travel agencies gain access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. This comprehensive guide has provided an overview of the major GDS providers and the steps involved in connecting to GDSs. Additionally, we have explored the benefits of GDS API integration for travel agencies, including access to a wide range of travel services, real-time availability and pricing information, streamlined booking processes, increased revenue opportunities, and enhanced efficiency and productivity. By leveraging the power of GDS integration, travel agencies can offer a seamless and comprehensive booking experience to their customers, ultimately driving their business success.
At Travlinq, we help customers with GDS integrations as out of the box solution. Travlinq is a Travel api’s tech platform in which we have a ready integration of various GDS’s, airlines, hotel provides across various geographic regions on which you can configure your own airline, hotel & activities supplier’s credentials
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