Also known as: gds.
GDS stands for various terms. Discover the full forms, meanings, and possible interpretations of GDS across different fields and industries.
"GDS" in the context of a hotel stands for "Global Distribution System." This is a vast, computerized network that serves as a central hub for travel service providers—such as hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and cruise lines—to distribute their inventory, rates, and availability to travel agents and online booking platforms worldwide. It acts as an intermediary, allowing travel professionals to access real-time information and make bookings for their clients efficiently. The GDS evolved from early airline reservation systems and became a crucial tool for the entire travel industry, particularly for business and corporate travel.
For hotels, being connected to a GDS significantly expands their reach beyond direct bookings and online travel agencies (OTAs) that primarily target individual consumers. The GDS primarily connects hotels with traditional travel agents, corporate travel managers, and large tour operators who often book complex itineraries that include flights, car rentals, and hotel stays all in one transaction. This access to a global network of travel professionals helps hotels increase their visibility, attract higher-value bookings (often for longer stays and corporate rates), and optimize their occupancy rates. While there are fees associated with GDS bookings, the increased market penetration and access to lucrative business travel segments often make it a worthwhile distribution channel for hotels.
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