The History of GDS in the Hotel Industry

A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a cornerstone of the reservation ecosystem, connecting travel bookers directly to suppliers, including hotels and various travel-centric services. It offers real-time data on products, prices, and availability, making it an essential tool for travel agents and online booking platforms.

Originating in the 1960s, GDSs revolutionized the industry, replacing manual methods of tracking flight schedules, availability, and pricing. These early GDS pioneers set the stage for what we now recognize as e-commerce. Airlines quickly recognized the potential of digitizing the reservation process, enhancing agent productivity and expanding their sales reach.

Today, GDSs have evolved beyond just flight and hotel bookings. They now cover rental cars, cruises, rail tickets, tours, and more. For travelers seeking a comprehensive holiday package, a GDS offers a one-stop solution, eliminating the need to interact with each provider separately.

For hotels looking to boost their visibility or cater to specific audiences, integrating with a GDS can be a transformative move.

Navigating the GDS Landscape: The Major Players

The GDS market is vast, with several key players each offering unique features and benefits. Here's a snapshot of some of the leading GDS platforms:

• ORX Travel: A pioneer in the GDS realm, ORX Travel seamlessly integrates NDC (New Distribution Capability) and GDS content, aiming to deliver an unmatched flight offerings. Its comprehensive integration, user-friendly interface, and global reach make it a top choice for flights and hotels because it ensures you’ll only find the best content.
• Amadeus: With over 30 years of experience, Amadeus provides solutions for airlines, hotels, railways, and more. Dominant in Europe, it holds a significant global market share in the GDS arena.
• Sabre: A global powerhouse, Sabre offers data-driven solutions tailored for airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. It has a strong foothold in North America.
• Travelport: Incorporating Apollo, Worldspan, and Galileo, UK-based Travelport has a strong presence in the US.
• Galileo, Worldspan, Apollo, Abacus, and Pegasus: These platforms serve various segments of the travel industry, each with their specialized offerings.

When choosing a GDS, it's crucial to evaluate them based on your hotel's specific needs and goals.

The GDS Advantage: Amplifying Your Hotel's Potential

The allure of a GDS lies in its ability to boost hotel bookings and revenue by enhancing global visibility. This is particularly beneficial for attracting international corporate travelers. Key advantages include:

• Extensive Reach: GDS bookings often surpass direct reservations.
• Revenue Boost: Prime positioning on GDS platforms ensures increased visibility and bookings.
• Expanded Distribution Network: Easily access the lucrative corporate travel market.
• Market Penetration: Identify and cater to emerging market segments.
• Efficient Operations: Seamless integration with your hotel's CRS system optimizes operational processes.

Why ORX Travel Tops the GDS List

As a frontrunner in the GDS arena, ORX uniquely combines both NDC  and GDS content, offering a endless content for users. Here's why ORX stands out:

• Comprehensive Integration: ORX effortlessly merges NDC and GDS, providing a holistic view of available options, ensuring clients receive the best deals and personalized experiences.
• Global Reach: With its vast network, ORX offers unparalleled access to global markets, ensuring your hotel gains maximum visibility.
• User-Friendly Interface: ORX's intuitive design ensures ease of use, making bookings and reservations a breeze for travel agents and clients alike.
• Cost-Effective: By tapping into ORX's extensive network, hotels can often find better deals, leading to significant savings for both the establishment and the client.

Given its innovative features and comprehensive offerings, ORX is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for many hotels and travel agencies worldwide.

Conclusion

The GDS landscape is complex and varied, with each platform bringing its unique strengths to the table. While ORX Travel presents a fresh approach with its combination of NDC and GDS content, it's essential to evaluate it alongside other renowned GDS platforms. By understanding the nuances of each GDS, hotels can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals, maximizing their global reach and bookings.