Why travel agents need access of GDS systems like Amadeus, Galileo & Sabre.
Starting a travel agency few years back, was more dependent on the traditional travel model. Travel agents were more replying on the local inventory to sell to their internal contacts. Travel software were not much in use at that time. Travel software development has been a real boon for the travel industry. The more interesting part was the integration of travel software with the GDS systems. There were two main categories of agents, which were doing the travel business –
- IATA Travel Agents
- Non – IATA Travel Agents
GDS Systems
In order to be an IATA travel agents, there were thorough process including the training, fee and detailed documentation. But it certainly gave the travel agents a solid background to start. IATA certification was need to access the GDS systems – Global Distribution Systems, which was the major source of travel contents worldwide.
Related: Travel Portal Company India
Today things have changed a lot. Most of the travel agents can access the contents of GDS systems as the Amadeus and all leading GDS are offering multiple access models (products & web services) to share the contents. With these accesses, the travel agents can connect to airlines, hotels, cars, packages and several other services.
Its been pretty interesting to see, how non IATA travel agents have increased the transaction using the travel portal development model, either by accessing the third party XML or by using the access from the existing IATA travel agent. The growing travel ecommerce have changed the equations of travel sales.
Amadeus GDS
Related: Amadeus GDS Software
With booming low cost airline model also have increased the sales through travel ecommerce channels. Many leading low cost airlines, don’t offer 100% of the contents through the GDS systems but they have a major chunk open for travel ecommerce. Following are the models available for travel ecommerce.
- GDS / XML / API Integration
- Third Part Web Services Integration
- Affiliate Module
- White Label Module.
Global travel management companies are integrating the GDS systems like Amdeus, Galileo and Sabre to access the top inventory across the globe. Access of the GDS system gives them the access of travel contents including airline, hotels, transfers, sightseeing, cars and other value added services. Next few quarters will be interesting to watch and many new airlines and low cost airlines are entering into new geographies and this is bound to create a huge change.
Which is best GDS software for IATA travel agencies?
If you are a growing travel agency and aspire to do business globally, gds travel software will be right choice as this will bring you competitive edge. If you are a startup agency and Non IATA, then you can go for non GDS travel software or B2B2C systems.
Regarding Author:
Author is a travel technology expert and has been involved in several travel portal development projects.
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