What is a global distribution system (GDS)?
A global distribution system, or GDS, is a network that connects travel providers like airlines and hotels with the agents and booking sites that sell their inventory. It is the wholesale marketplace that lets one search show fares from many providers at once.
When a travel site shows you dozens of flight options from different airlines, a GDS is often the pipe feeding it that data. It is the shared backbone the industry has relied on for decades.
Newer direct connections are changing the picture, but for most travel businesses the GDS is still a core source of availability and pricing.
Sthenos builds booking systems that plug into travel networks, like a travel booking platform for a leading agency.
Related terms: internet booking engine (IBE), passenger name record (PNR).
Do travel companies still need a GDS?
Many do, because it offers broad reach in one connection. But direct provider connections are an increasingly common complement.
