Knowledgebase: Travel Agents
GDS and OTA Bookings | What can they do for me?
Posted by Steve Farmer on 26 Sep 2007 07:20 AM

The Global Distribution System (GDS) is an international, interconnected network of traditional travel agents and online travel agent (OTA) websites. Because the traditional GDS systems are only a fraction of the ways people research and book travel these days, when combined with non-traditional networks, BookingCenter refers to the entirety as the Global Booking Network.

The BookingCenter Global Booking Network gives your property real-time visibility on over 8,200 travel websites and travel agent databases (including the Sabre, WorldSpan, Amadeus, and Galileo GDS systems used by over 650,000 travel agents worldwide), the Pegasus system (which provides distribution to TravelWeb, Booking.com, Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz and others), and other consumer networks such as YellowPages.com, Verizon SuperPages, and TourWorld. See a sample list of partner sites here: https://www.bookingcenter.com/gds-and-ota-channels/.

Why Participate in the OTA and/or GDS?

Increased visibility on high-trafficked travel websites where you would not be seen normally.  We encourage our properties to see the GDS as a part of their marketing plan.  75-85% of all travel consumers will research their travel options online, while only 10% of travelers will book your property without doing any internet research.   

  • Increased revenue from GDS bookings.  Who doesn't want more bookings?  Who doesn't want new clientele?  And who doesn't want the opportunity to turn those new guests into repeat guests?  
  • Increased networking and relationships with travel industry powerhouses.
  • Increased marketing opportunities on the internet and travel agent databases, driving guests to research your property directly at your property's website.  

Why Connect the GDS to your BookingCenter Management Tools?
With BookingCenter, you not only get more connections, you have complete control of what they see. You can allocate specific rooms to distribution partners, provide unique rooms, rates, availability to whichever OTA channel/agent you wish, and reserve others for your walk-ins, your website, or your partner agents.  Allocate rooms to suit your needs, your goals. You strategically price your rooms, conncted to your actual availability, in real–time.  Set Length of Stay and cancellation policies to fit each different agent.  

When you set these parameters in your BookingCenter management tool, it is uploaded to each distribution channel.  When reservations are made on those distribution channels, they are seamlessly downloaded into your BookingCenter management tool and adjust available inventory to all other channels.  

Different Distribution Vehicles within the GDS Available to You: 

1.  Negotiated Rates

The travel industry is full of corporations and travel agencies who only book at properties that provide direct, negotiated rates. BookingCenter provides these negotiated rates via your website, through our Local Distribution Systems, and via the GDS and Pegasus systems.  

To Learn More: https://www.bookingcenter.com/global-distribution-system-gds/

 

2.  Consortia Programs

According to HEDNA a consortia is a "rate negotiated between a hotel company and a travel agency group. Viewership of these rates in the GDS by a Travel Agent or other GDS user is restricted and the rate may be booked only after entry of either the Agents or Client authorization code." Originally started for mom and pop travel agencies, Consortias have become a major player in the travel industry. Consortia is a conglomerate of travel agencies that have joined together into an organization, and by doing this, can increase marketing to their customers by offering competitive rates at BookingCenter hotels worldwide. This program is offered for enrollment once per year, and returns excellent results for many of our properties.

Learn more information:  https://www.bookingcenter.com/global-distribution-system-gds/

3.  Multiple Rates and Corporate Rates

BookingCenter allows your property to sell discounted rates to specific markets on th GDS and Global Booking Network.  The five major discount rate plans include AAA, AARP, Government, Military, and Corporate and offer your Rack and Promotional (promo) rates with them.  Usually suggested to discount your Rack (Daily) Rate 10%, you are gaining another audience through advertising, networking, and advocacy within these specific populations.  

Learn more information at:  https://support.bookingcenter.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/103

4. Packages

Sell Packages containing combinations of Room and Items - both on your website and/or through the GDS systems. Packages are an increasing percentage of all online transactions, and usually provide a higher margin of profit to the lodging, and a better experience to your Guest. Watch how Booking.com, Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, Hotwire, and Orbitz are engaging Packages on their sites, and realize why this is a preferred way to plan - and sell - your 'travel experience'.

Ask us how to take advantage of Packages now here: https://www.bookingcenter.com/interfaces-and-modules/packaging-module/

 


5.  OTA Contract Rate/Merchant Model Programs

The travel industry is dominated by large Online Travel Agent (OTA) websites such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. While not perfect for all, these systems - especially in competitive or remote markets - are an excellent source of reservations. BookingCenter can manage your OTA inventory and rates seamlessly - right through any of our Management Tools. These programs have delivered up to 35% monthly occupancy to some of our customers, and by using them in tandem with a direct marketing campaign, a property can build long-lasting customer relationships.  *This is available to our properties with or without GDS enrollment.  

Learn more about automating your relationship with the Contract Rate/Merchant Model companies at: https://www.bookingcenter.com/gds-and-ota-channels/

6.  Partnership Offering 700+ OTA Interfaces

Looking to interface with more than just the major OTAs?  Enjoy the same seamless integration between your BookingCenter management tools and the OTAs of your choice.  

Learn more about the RDX Partnership:  https://www.bookingcenter.com/gds-and-ota-channels/

 



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