Learn the best practices for integrating GDS with other travel technology platforms, such as your website, mobile app, or CRM system. Improve your travel inventory management and distribution.

Hey fellow travel pros, ever feel like choosing a Global Distribution System (GDS) is a shot in the dark? Here's the thing: It's not just about what the GDS *can* do; it's about what it can do for *your* specific business goals. Get crystal clear on your niche: Do you rock at luxury European tours? Or maybe budget-friendly Caribbean getaways? Inventory is king (or queen): If 5-star hotels are your bread and butter, make sure your GDS has those connections. Don't forget the Benjamins! GDS providers all have fee structures. In my experience, taking the time to map out these needs *before* jumping into a GDS saves major headaches down the line.

What are the best practices for integrating GDS with other travel technology platforms?

If you work in the travel industry, you probably know what a GDS is. A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a network that connects travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, and car rentals, with travel agents, online travel agencies (OTAs), and corporate travel managers. A GDS allows you to access and book travel inventory from different sources, manage reservations, and issue tickets. But how do you integrate a GDS with other travel technology platforms, such as your own website, mobile app, or CRM system? In this article, we will explore some of the best practices for integrating GDS with other travel technology platforms.

1 Choose the right GDS

The first step is to choose the right GDS for your business needs. There are several GDS providers in the market, such as Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and others. Each GDS has its own strengths, weaknesses, and coverage. For example, some GDS may have more inventory or better rates for certain regions, segments, or suppliers. Some GDS may offer more features, such as dynamic pricing, ancillary services, or rich content. You should compare the different GDS options and evaluate their costs, benefits, and compatibility with your business model and target market.

Add your perspective

Nolan Bellot

Logistics and Supply Chain Enthusiast
Report contribution
Hey fellow travel pros, ever feel like choosing a Global Distribution System (GDS) is a shot in the dark? Here's the thing: It's not just about what the GDS *can* do; it's about what it can do for *your* specific business goals. Get crystal clear on your niche: Do you rock at luxury European tours? Or maybe budget-friendly Caribbean getaways? Inventory is king (or queen): If 5-star hotels are your bread and butter, make sure your GDS has those connections. Don't forget the Benjamins! GDS providers all have fee structures. In my experience, taking the time to map out these needs *before* jumping into a GDS saves major headaches down the line.

Like

2 Use a standard interface

The next step is to use a standard interface to communicate with the GDS. A standard interface is a set of rules and protocols that define how data is exchanged between different systems. A standard interface makes it easier to integrate different platforms and avoid errors, inconsistencies, or delays. The most common standard interface for GDS integration is the Open Travel Alliance (OTA) XML specification. OTA XML is a widely accepted and supported format that allows you to send and receive messages to and from the GDS using XML tags. You can use OTA XML to request and retrieve information, such as availability, fares, booking, and ticketing, from the GDS.

Add your perspective

3 Implement a middleware layer

The third step is to implement a middleware layer between your platform and the GDS. This software component acts as a bridge between different systems, simplifying and streamlining the integration process and enhancing the performance and functionality of your platform. For example, a middleware layer can translate and validate data using the standard interface, cache and store data from the GDS to reduce requests, apply business logic and rules to customize content and pricing, and monitor and manage the connection with the GDS for reliability and security.

Add your perspective

4 Optimize the user experience

The fourth step is to optimize the user experience of your platform. A user experience can significantly impact the conversion rate, retention rate, and loyalty of your customers. To achieve this, you should design an interface that is both user-friendly and intuitive, allowing users to easily search, compare, and book travel inventory from the GDS. Additionally, you should provide relevant and accurate information such as images, descriptions, ratings, and reviews to help users make informed decisions. Offering flexible and convenient options such as filters, sorting, payment methods, and cancellation policies can also suit users' preferences and needs. Finally, delivering fast and reliable service such as confirmation, notification, and support can ensure users' satisfaction and trust.

Add your perspective

5 Update and maintain the integration

The final step is to update and maintain the integration between your platform and the GDS. An update is a change or improvement that is made to the system, while a maintenance is a routine or corrective action that is taken to keep the system functioning properly. To ensure a successful integration, it’s important to follow the latest standards and specifications of the GDS and the standard interface. Additionally, you should test and debug the integration regularly to identify and fix any issues or errors, as well as monitor and analyze its performance and usage in order to optimize its efficiency and effectiveness. Finally, seek feedback and suggestions from your users and partners to improve the quality and value of your platform.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are the best practices for integrating GDS with other travel technology platforms?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose the right GDS

2 Use a standard interface

3 Implement a middleware layer

4 Optimize the user experience

5 Update and maintain the integration

6 Here’s what else to consider

GDS

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on GDS

More relevant reading