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.
It 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.
The industry has relied on it for decades.
Newer direct connections are changing the picture, but the GDS is still a core source of availability and pricing.
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.
Figure 1. Where a GDS sits between travel providers and sellers
Restates this article: a GDS connects travel providers such as airlines and hotels with the agents and booking sites that sell their inventory, so one search shows fares from many providers at once; newer direct connections link a provider and a seller without it. Structure only; no values are drawn.
Newer direct connections are changing the picture, but 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.
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.
Related services: custom software development.
Related reading
Related terms:
- Guide: What Is API Integration?
- Industry: Travel & Hospitality
