Difference between Central Reservation System and Global Distribution System in Travel Technology

GDS (Global Distribution System)

A Global Distribution System, or GDS, is a computerized reservation network that serves as a middleware between travel agents and a wide range of travel service providers. 

It collects inventory, schedules, and fares from providers and allows agents and OTAs to search and book them, with OTAs using connectivity APIs and agents using a manual terminal. 

A global distribution system (GDS) is a huge database that stores and updates huge amounts of information about inventory and hotel rates for travel agencies and websites. This system is responsible for the exponential growth of the tourism industry and was the stepping stone of most internet-based travel services.

Travel agents/agencies can use this system to access real-time availability, pricing, and offers for flight tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruise reservations, trains, and other services. When applied to large rates, hotels sell their rooms on GDS for 30% less.

A GDS's primary function is to assist travel agents who are looking for hotels that meet specific criteria. These business-to-business systems are used by organizations to stay updated on information about travel arrangements, like hotel room availability.

This allows consumers to make bookings on demand. This technology gives travel experts a common point of entry to access real-time data about travel booking.

 The best known global GDSs are

 The Top GDS systems currently used for travel booking are Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, Worldspan, and Apollo. Let's take a closer look at these popular platforms.

Few highlights:

• It is the primary reservation tool used by travel agents.
• GDS is a platform that allows travel agencies and their clients to access travel data.
• It sends live data to travel agencies and online booking websites, such as price and availability and allows for transactions.
• GDS is commonly used in the corporate travel market because it consolidates flight, hotel, and car rental bookings into a single interface.
• Travel agencies use GDS-enabled products to provide travel-related services to their clients.

Central Reservation System (CRS)

A central reservation system (CRS) or computer reservation system is an automated reservation system used to store information, retrieve information, and conduct air travel transactions.

The system was originally crafted to be used by airlines and was later extended for the use of travel agents. These days, it is also used to store and distribute data about tourism products or services to customers.

A central reservation system, or CRS, is designed for the hospitality sector – and is unique for hotel operations – to manage available rooms and rates.

These systems distribute relevant data across multiple distribution channels, including GDS, meta-search engines, and OTAs (online travel agencies). When rates are changed or bookings are made, the CRS automatically updates your hotel's rates and availability across all channels.

Bookings made through these third-party channels are immediately transferred to the CRS before being logged in the property management system so that rooms can be allocated.

CRS and GDS might have the same functions but the major difference between these two systems is that CRS only provides information about airlines whereas by using GDS you can reserve a ticket, a room in a hotel, and also a rental car. This is why they are called Global Distribution Systems because you can use GDS to book everything.

The term CRS is not much used as it became part of a larger system known as the Passenger Service System (PSS) which consists of CRS, an airline inventory system, and the departure control system (DCS).

Keep your Travel Business Moving Forward via These Channels

Implementing the CRS and GDS will improve the probability of working with a wide spectrum of distributors, modifying rates according to market conditions, streamlining all the booking processes, and providing excellent customer service.

Trawex is shaping the future of travel technology by providing more choice and simplicity for travelers through constant innovation. 

At Trawex, we pride ourselves on being able to connect you with all the major CRS and the leading GDS channels. Whatever the size of your corporation, we can assist you in finding the best solution for your global travel business.

Trawex’s Global Distribution System allows users to easily enter the global market. Our GDS integration solution will assist your travel company in booking thousands of flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and vacations online. Our GDS system connects and empowers you to sell your inventory through all of your sales channels, including B2B and B2C websites

If you need any support in developing a travel business plan, our experts at Trawex are willing to assist you. Get in touch with us today. We will aid you to stand out in the market.

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