GDS IDS System - The Profit Multiplier Tool

 

What is the GDS IDS System?

 

In the travel industry, GDS (Global Distribution System) and IDS (Internet Distribution System) are key technologies used for booking and managing travel services. Here’s a breakdown of each system and their roles:

 

GDS (Global Distribution System)

 

A global distribution system (GDS) is a vast network that connects travel agents, airlines, hotels, car rental businesses, and other travel service providers. A Global Distribution System (GDS) offers booking channels for hotels, cars, flights, and cruises. It is a centralized platform where these entities can offer services to travel agents and other intermediaries. 

The Global Distribution System is not just one system. It is a combination of five major GDS Systems. A Global Distribution System (GDS) offers booking channels for hotels, cars, flights, and cruises. 

It is a one-stop shop for travel information and bookings, allowing for seamless transactions and offering travelers with multiple options at competitive prices. 

The system combines the use of proficient network tools like the GDS Global Distribution System, as well as the Internet Distribution System (IDS), to deliver maximum exposure of its contents over a wide variety of networks across the internet. This provides the user with massive targeted visibility, which translates into huge bookings/conversions.

 

Key Functions:

 

• Centralized Inventory: GDS software consolidate inventory from numerous sources onto a single platform, providing travel agencies access to a diverse selection of travel options. 

• Real-Time Availability: Get real-time availability, pricing, and booking details for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. 

• Booking Management: Allows travel agencies to book travel services, manage bookings, and make changes or cancellations using a single interface. 

• Integration: Often integrates with other systems used by travel agencies, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and accounting systems. 

 

Major GDS Providers:

 

• Amadeus: A global GDS provider known for its extensive travel content and technology solutions. 

• Sabre: Provides a range of services such as booking, ticketing, and travel management solutions. 

• Travelport: Operates platforms like Galileo and Worldspan, providing travel content and technology solutions. 

 

IDS (Internet Distribution System)

 

An IDS is a platform for providing travel services directly to customers or via online travel agents (OTAs). IDS platforms are designed for online channels, enabling direct access to travel inventory via the Internet. 

The Internet Distribution System provides technology that enables clients to plan whole trips that include flights, hotels and other accommodations, transportation, and destination activities. 

 

Key Functions:

 

• Direct Booking: This feature allows hotels, airlines, and other travel service providers to offer their services directly to customers or OTAs via web channels. 

• Online Presence: Allows service providers to manage their online listings, such as availability, price, and promotions. 

• Integration with OTAs: Enables connections with online travel agencies, allowing them to provide an array of services to their clients. 

• Content Management: Provides tools for managing and updating travel content, including images, descriptions, and exclusive deals. 

 

Major IDS Platforms:

 

• Expedia Affiliate Network: Provides access to a diverse selection of travel content and enables partners to provide bookings through their websites. 

• Booking.com Partner Program: Facilitates hotels and other service providers to distribute their inventory on Booking.com’s platform and its affiliates. 

• TravelClick: Provides travel technology solutions for managing hotel distribution and marketing. 

 

Importance of GDS and IDS systems in the travel industry

 

GDS and IDS systems play integral parts in the travel industry. GDS serves as a centralized platform for travel agencies to book and manage services, whereas IDS focuses on direct distribution to customers via Internet platforms. Both systems are essential to modern travel distribution and booking processes. 

The significance of GDS (Global Distribution System) and IDS (Internet Distribution System) in increasing travel business revenue is significant, as these systems increase visibility, simplify operations, and optimize sales channels. 

Using these technologies effectively helps travel companies gain exposure, attract a larger audience, and increase booking volume and profitability. 

The integration of GDS and IDS systems benefits an array of travel industry stakeholders, including travel agencies, TMCs, hotels, airlines, car rental companies, OTAs, tour operators, corporate clients, and travel technology providers. 

Businesses that combine the features of both systems can grow their market reach, streamline operations, optimize inventory management, and boost overall efficiency, resulting in more revenue and better customer service.

 

Here’s how each system contributes to increasing revenue:

 

1. GDS (Global Distribution System)

 

Expanded Market Reach

 

• Global Network: GDS platforms connect travel companies to a global network of travel agents and agencies, allowing them access to a larger consumer base. 

• High-Volume Traffic: By listing inventory on a GDS, travel companies have access to high-traffic booking channels utilized by a large number of travel agents, resulting in more potential bookings.

 

Increased Booking Efficiency

 

• Real-Time Availability: GDS systems offer real-time access to availability and price, allowing for faster and more accurate bookings, potentially leading to higher conversion rates. 

• Integrated Booking: Streamlines the booking process by integrating with other systems, minimizing manual work and errors while increasing total reservation management efficiency.

 

Enhanced Revenue Opportunities

 

• Upselling and cross-selling: GDS networks let travel companies provide additional services and upgrades to clients, increasing overall revenue per booking. 

• Dynamic Pricing: Allows businesses to implement dynamic pricing strategies based on demand, seasonality, and competition, maximizing revenue potential. 

 

Access to Business Travelers

 

Corporate Accounts: Many GDS platforms cater to corporate travel needs, offering access to business travelers who frequently generate higher revenue per booking compared to leisure travelers.

 

2. IDS (Internet Distribution System)

 

Direct Consumer Access

 

• Online Visibility: IDS platforms enable travel companies to offer their services on popular online channels and OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), therefore reaching a larger audience directly. 

• Direct Booking Channels: Allows customers to book directly through the business's website or app, reducing reliance on third-party intermediaries and saving on commission fees. 

Enhanced Content Management 

 

 

• Promotions and Special Offers: IDS systems allow for the management and display of promotions, exclusive deals, and packages directly to consumers, drawing more bookings and encouraging greater expenditure. 

• Rich Content: Provides tools to showcase high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and reviews, that can enhance the appeal of the offerings and lead to higher bookings. 

 

Data-Driven Insights

 

• Consumer Behavior: Provides data on consumer behavior, preferences, and booking patterns, allowing companies to tailor their marketing activities and product offers to better match client needs. 

• Performance Tracking: Allows tracking of booking performance across various internet channels, assisting to determine the most efficient distribution strategies and optimize marketing budget. 

 

Increased booking flexibility

 

• Availability Updates: Provides real-time availability and pricing information, allowing for better inventory management and reducing overbooking. 

• Customizable Booking options: Enables flexible booking options and customization, that can boost client satisfaction and the possibility of repeat bookings. 

 

Leveraging GDS IDS System with Trawex

 

Expand your business’s reach like never before with Trawex’s cutting-edge GDS and IDS Hotel Distribution System. Our innovative technology enables your business to easily link with the world's major Global Distribution Systems (GDS), including Galileo, Amadeus, Worldspan, and Sabre, as well as the Internet Distribution System (IDS). By utilizing these powerful networks, you'll gain unrivaled exposure and customized visibility, leading to more bookings and revenue. 

The Global Distribution System is not just one system. It combines five key global distribution systems. The major GDS companies are Sabre, Amadeus, Apollo, Galileo, Worldspan, and Abacus.  Trawex provides a seamless connection to all of these different Global Distribution Systems (GDS). 

 

Amplify Your Revenue Streams

 

Trawex's GDS and IDS Hotel Distribution System will significantly increase your revenue. By leveraging the power of multiple distribution channels, you can tap into new markets, attract a wider customer base, and generate more direct bookings. Our technology is designed to help you optimize profits and generate long-term success for your business.

 

Combined Impact on Revenue Growth

 

• Synergistic Use: By combining GDS and IDS systems, travel companies can expand their marketing reach and distribution channels. GDS provides more access through travel agencies and corporate accounts, whereas IDS focuses on direct consumer interactions and internet exposure.

• Optimized Distribution Strategy: A combined approach makes sure travel businesses are well-positioned across both traditional and digital channels, capturing a diverse range of customers and booking opportunities. 

• Increased Efficiency and Revenue: Integrating GDS and IDS systems can simplify processes, minimize booking errors, and boost overall efficiency, resulting in greater resource utilization and increased revenue. 

• Unified Access: Integration combines the extensive reach of GDS with the direct consumer access of IDS, offering a comprehensive solution for managing bookings across multiple channels. 

• Enhanced Efficiency: Automates operations by consolidating booking management, inventory management, and customer interactions into one platform. 

• Increased Revenue Opportunities: Increases market reach and distribution channels, optimizing revenue through diverse booking sources and direct client engagement. 

 

Who can benefit from GDS IDS System Integration?

 

GDS (Global Distribution System) and IDS (Internet Distribution System) system integration can benefit a wide range of stakeholders in the travel industry. Here's a detailed look at who can gain from this integration:

 

1. Travel Agencies

 

• Increased Inventory Access: GDS allows travel agents to access a wide range of travel options (flights, hotels, and car rentals) from various suppliers, whereas IDS enables direct bookings and exclusive online deals. 

• Streamlined Operations: Integration allows travel companies to manage bookings and reservations from both GDS and IDS sources using a single platform, increasing efficiency and minimizing the need for multiple systems. 

 

2. Travel Management Companies (TMCs) 

 

• Comprehensive Solutions: TMCs benefit from integrated systems by offering clients with a larger range of travel options and services, such as those available through GDS and direct online channels. 

• Enhanced Reporting and Analytics: By integrating data from both systems, TMCs have a better grasp of booking patterns, client preferences, and travel trends, enabling more informed decision-making and better service offerings. 

 

3. Hotels and Accommodation Providers

 

• Broader Distribution: Hotels can increase their exposure and bookings by offering their inventory on both GDS (such as travel agents and corporate clients) and IDS (for direct consumers and online travel agencies). 

• Efficient Inventory Management: Integration enables hotels to better manage room availability and price across several channels, reducing the risk of overbooking and assuring accurate information. 

 

4. Airlines 

 

• Expanded Reach: Airlines can reach a larger audience by distributing their flight inventory via GDS to travel agents and corporate clients, as well as through IDS to direct consumers and OTAs. 

• Optimized Revenue Management: The incorporation enables airlines to manage and update fare structures, promotions, and accessibility in real-time throughout all distribution channels, maximizing revenue opportunities. 

 

5. Car Rental Companies

 

• Increased Visibility: Car rental companies can increase their market exposure by listing their inventory on GDS systems for travel agencies and corporate accounts, as well as on IDS platforms for direct consumer bookings.  

• Unified Booking System: Integration streamlines reservation management by integrating bookings from several sources into a single system. 

 

6. Online Travel Agency (OTAs) 

 

• Diversified Inventory: OTAs benefit from linked GDS and IDS systems by providing a broader range of travel services, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals from both traditional and direct sources. 

• Enhanced User Experience: Integration allows OTAs to provide real-time availability and price, which improves the booking experience for users and can boost conversion rates. 

 

7. Tour Operators

 

• Comprehensive Packages: Tour operators can develop and manage complex travel packages that include flights, accommodation, and activities from multiple sources, thanks to linked GDS and IDS systems. 

• Efficient Booking Management: Integration enables tour operators to handle bookings and inventories more efficiently, maintaining accuracy while lowering administrative costs. 

 

8. Corporate clients. 

 

• Simplified Travel Management: Corporate clients benefit from integrated systems through TMCs and travel agencies by gaining access to a wide range of travel services and options in a unified platform, streamlined travel management and booking processes. 

• Enhanced Travel Policy Compliance: Integration ensures that business travel bookings follow company policies and guidelines by consolidating data from multiple sources. 

 

Key features of the GDS IDS System

 

The key features of GDS (Global Distribution System) and IDS (Internet Distribution System) systems are designed to enhance the efficiency of travel distribution, streamline operations, and improve booking processes for travel businesses. Here's a detailed look at the features of each system:

 

Key Features of GDS (Global Distribution System)

 

Comprehensive Inventory Access

 

• Multi-Supplier Inventory: Offers access to a diverse selection of travel services, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more, from numerous suppliers. 

• Real-Time Availability: Offers real-time availability and pricing modifications, ensuring that travel agencies and clients get proper details. 

 

Centralized Booking System 

 

• Integrated Booking: Travel agencies can book numerous travel services (flights, hotels, and cars) from a single platform. 

• Reservation management: Allows the management of reservations, such as modifications, cancellations, and confirmations. 

 

Efficient search and retrieval

 

• Advanced Search Options: Offers advanced search capabilities to filter and retrieve travel options based on various criteria such as price, location, and travel dates. 

• Multiple Booking Options: Offers various booking options and configurations to meet different customer needs. 

 

Automated Processes

 

• Booking Automation: Automates the booking process to reduce repetitive tasks and errors. 

• Notification System: Sends automated notifications for booking confirmations, changes, and reminders. 

 

Integrated Pricing and Inventory Management 

 

• Dynamic Pricing: Supports dynamic pricing models, which enable real-time modifications based on demand and availability. 

• Inventory Sync: Ensures that inventory is managed across channels to prevent overbooking and discrepancies. 

• Reporting and Analytics: Generate reports on sales performance, booking patterns, and commission profits. 

• Analytics Tools: Provide insights on booking patterns and market trends to help make strategic decisions. 

 

Global Reach 

 

International Coverage: Connects with a worldwide network of travel agents and agencies, growing market reach and customer base.   

 

Key Features of Internet Distribution System (IDS) 

 

Direct Consumer Access

 

• Online Booking: Enables direct bookings via websites and mobile apps, enabling consumers to book travel services online.

• Direct Channel Management: Manages direct distribution channels for hotels, airlines, and other travel service providers. 

 

Content Management

 

• Rich Media: Allows the inclusion of high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and multimedia content to enhance listings.

• Promotional Tools: Provides tools for managing promotions, discounts, and special offers directly on the platform.

 

Real-Time Updates

 

• Availability and Pricing: Provides real-time updates on pricing, availability, and inventory to offer accurate information for consumers. 

• Instant Booking Confirmation: Customers get instant confirmations and updates.

 

Search and Filter Options 

 

• Customizable Search: Users can search for travel services using specific criteria such as pricing, location, and amenities. 

• Advanced Filters: Provides advanced filtering options to reduce down search results and find the best options.

 
Integration of OTAs and Online Channels 

 

• OTA Connectivity: Collaborates with online travel agencies (OTAs) to distribute inventory and reach more customers. 

• Channel Management: Manages distribution across multiple online channels and platforms. 

 

Data and Analytics 

 

• Customer Insights: Offers insight into customer behavior, preferences, and booking trends. 

• Performance Tracking: Tracks performance metrics and analytics for online bookings and channel effectiveness.

 
Enhanced User Experience

 

• User-Friendly Interface: The interface is easy to use, ensuring a flawless booking experience. 

• Mobile Compatibility: Provides mobile-friendly options for consumers booking via smartphones and tablets. 

 

Bookkeeping and Reservation Management 

 

• Order Management: Manage orders and bookings effectively, including modifications and cancellations. 

• Customer assistance Tools: Offers tools for customer assistance and service management.