Travel GDS Integration – An Ultimate Guide

For businesses to prosper in the travel sector, it is crucial to have smooth connections and good service delivery. GDS integration plays a key part in this. It serves as the main support system for the complex web in the travel business. GDS (Global Distribution Systems) is essential for the success of tour operators and travel companies.  

Understanding the basic elements of how GDS works is important to remain competitive and satisfy the demands of travelers. Let’s explore the fundamentals of GDS and explore its benefits for the travel industry.

What is GDS 

A GDS is a large computer network that helps with the sharing and reservation of many services related to travel. It covers airplane tickets, renting cars, booking hotel rooms, and cruise deals. Understanding the importance of the best CRM for travel agency is essential, and it's also vital to be aware of what role GDS plays.

The GDS serves as a middleman, linking airlines and hotel groups with travel agencies and various other companies in the tourism sector. Its primary goal is to bring together and share the available travel items from many sources. The services become available for travel agents and clients via one combined platform.

Major providers of GDS in the sector include Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, and Travelport. These companies have positioned themselves as leading figures in the industry. Thus, understanding the GDS integration holds as much importance as getting to know the CRM software for travel industry.

What are the Benefits of Integrating GDS for Travel Businesses?

Nowadays, most travel businesses rely on the best travel CRM software to optimize their operations. Integration of the Global Distribution System, nevertheless, has a lot to offer. You can use GDS as the basis of your entire business structure. The integration of GDS has brought about some of the most significant benefits as stated below. 

• Access a Large Travel Inventory 

GDS links travel agencies to hundreds of travel suppliers from which they can source a wide range of travel products. It consists of hotels, flights, cruise packages, and so on. This immense variety allows them to offer their clients different options. Besides, it can help to increase the competitiveness of travel agencies. 

• Streamlines the Booking Process 

The incorporation of a GDS ensures the simplification of the booking process through the provision of a centralized platform. It saves travelers the hassle of seeking the services of travel agents or visiting multiple websites in search of the best deals. Thus, the incorporation of GDS helps greatly in saving time and increasing the effectiveness of travel businesses. 

• Real-Time Availability 

Integrated GDS systems enable airlines to offer a real-time interface to travelers checking the availability of flight tickets and other travel-related inventory. In other words, GDS enables travel companies to be informed with the most updated information on availability and pricing. This real-time data enables them to provide precise offers and swift reservations, which allows for faster service. 

• Automated Processes 

The incorporation of GDS fine-tunes the travel booking engine. Furthermore, it automates a wide range of processes, including booking management, making itineraries, etc., which leads to decreasing manual efforts and minimizes errors. In addition, it helps maintain operational efficiency in the travel domain. 

• Integration with Other Platforms 

GDS flight API integration can provide seamless data exchange and enhanced operational efficiency. Moreover, you can integrate GDS easily with travel CRMs and other third-party applications. This type of integration is useful for both travel companies and travelers. 

The Technical Aspects of GDS Integrations 

Note that integrating with a Global Distribution System involves numerous technical aspects. Therefore, you can choose GDS integration services to streamline the overall process. Comprehending these technical components is essential for a successful integration process. 

• Direct Connections with Suppliers 

Travel companies can establish direct connections with GDS providers like SkyTrust through dedicated communication channels. SkyTrust has extensive experience in GDS integration and collaborates closely with travel companies. It is a method that offers high-performance access. However, you need excellent technical infrastructure and expertise. 

• Hosted Solutions 

The top GDS providers may offer hosted solutions. In this type of solution, travel companies can access the GDS through a web-based interface or a hosted application. This approach streamlines the integration process. 

• APIs 

Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, allow travel companies to integrate their systems with the GDS properly. Note that GDS integration API provides more flexibility and customization. However, they require expertise and development resources. 

• Data Mapping 

GDS often uses its own proprietary data formats and structures. The top travel companies need to ensure proper data mapping and normalization to align their systems with the GDS data formats. This process involves data mapping and tracking the transformation of data structures. 

• Messaging Protocols 

The Amadeus GDS integration can also be done with the help of the messaging protocols. Travel companies should comply with these protocols for efficient communication and exchange of data. It may also include industry-standard protocols like EDIFACT or custom messaging protocols defined by the GDS providers. 

• Regular Maintenance and Updates 

Always remember that the GDS systems and protocols are continuously evolving. The travel companies must stay updated with the changes and updates from GDS providers. It includes software updates, revisions of protocols, and new feature updates. Regular maintenance and updates can ensure optimal performance of the GDS system. 

The Integration of GDS for Specific Travel Industries 

While the main principles of the integration of GDS remain consistent across the travel industry, there are specific considerations for different travel verticals. For instance, the process of booking engine with GDS integration is different for hotels and air travel. Here are the specific things to learn about the integration of GDS for specific travel industries. 

GDS Integration for Air Travel 

Note that air travel is one of the most critical verticals for the integration of GDS. Airliners were among the earliest travel sectors to integrate GDS. For airliners, GDS is important for managing flight inventory, bookings, and prices. The integration of GDS enables travel companies to access real-time flight availability and other ancillary services. Some of the key GDS providers for airliners are Sabre, Amadeus, Duffel, etc. 

GDS Integration for Hotels 

Besides airline GDS integration, the integration of GDS is also crucial for the hotel industry. With the right integration, travel companies can access a wide range of inventory, availability, and rates. In this manner, the clients can also make informed decisions. Sabre GDS Integration and Amadeus GDS Integration are important for the success of the hotel industry. 

The Popular Vendors for GDS API Integration 

Here are some of the popular vendors for the GDS API integration in the travel industry. 

Amadeus GDS Integration 

Amadeus is a popular GDS integration vendor mainly because it allows users to access content via the SOAP/XML interface. Amadeus is famous among travel companies, travel agencies, distributors, etc. The online interface of Amadeus provides complete flexibility to travel agencies to integrate their content into the booking engine. 

Sabre GDS 

Sabre is another popular GDS integration vendor after Amadeus. If you are looking to provide travelers with real-time assistance, Sabre GDS integration should be on your radar. With Sabre, you will get the perfect platform to market your services. 

Galileo GDS 

Galileo is an integral part of the Travelport ecosystem that offers an intuitive platform for users to book flights and hotels. It comes equipped with features like B2B and B2C dashboard management. It relies on XML API integration to connect with GDS. 

Travelport 

Travelport is a leading GDS vendor that is popular among airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. It offers numerous integration methods like SOAP APIs, XML Pro, and proprietary interfaces. It is crucial to seek assistance from the third-party integration partners to connect with Travelport GDS. 

Duffel 

Duffel is another GDS integration vendor that provides access to travel inventory through RESTful API. It has a single API endpoint that eliminates the need to integrate with multiple GDS systems. 

The Integration of GDS and the Distribution Domain   

GDS software plays an important role in the broader travel distribution landscape. It allows travel agencies to access and distribute their products through several platforms and channels. It is crucial that you understand the distribution landscape and how GDS integration fits into the scenario. Listed are the essential aspects to learn about the integration of GDS in the distribution landscape. 

• Besides the GDS API integration, alternative distribution systems have also emerged as complementary platforms. These distribution systems concentrate on travel-specific segments like hotels and car rentals. They also offer unique inventory models. 
• Online travel companies are a significant distribution platform for travel products. Most of these companies rely on the Travelport GDS integration to access a wide range of inventory. By accessing a vast range of inventory, these companies are able to offer competitive pricing. 

Conclusion 

There is no denying that GDS integration is changing the way the travel domain operates and attracts clients. If you want to optimize the operations of your travel company, choose SkyTrust to integrate GDS with your service offerings. The company possesses immense expertise in the integration of GDS with several travel products.