One of the services Alternate Image provides is GDS connectivity directly through the hotel application. We have provided an effortless way to manage your rates and inventory through one point of management. This allows for your property to double their exposure by participating in the well-known travel websites and travel agent systems through GDS. If you have thought about participating in GDS but have several questions, I have composed a Top 10 FAQ's below.
1. What is GDS?GDS is an acronym for Global Distribution System and is an online system which delivers rates, inventory, discounts, rooms, and descriptions to the many systems supported by GDS.
2. What are the systems supported by GDS?The GDS system includes high traffic portal travel sites or channels including Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, AAA, Hotwire, Priceline and TravelWeb. It also includes Orbitz, but is required to be registered into their Merchant Program. Most importantly all travel agent systems are included, such as Sabre, Pegasus, Galileo, Worldspan, and Amadeus just to name a few of the familiar ones.
3. How much does it cost?Our rates our highly competitive and include one-time setup cost of $500. And a monthly charge of a minimum of $75 or $12 per reservation.
4. Can a property be on more than one GDS provider?There are several companies who provide access to the GDS. Unfortunately you cannot be connected with more than one GDS provider. If you are currently with a provider and would like to change, a switch letter is required. The switch letter indicates the cancelation of one provider and the activation of the other.
5. Which AI features can I use on the GDS?Our existing system works hand-in-hand with the GDS interface with no additional data entry or third party access. Room descriptions, pictures, discounts, rates and inventory all coincide with the GDS channels automatically for your convenience.
6. What is the process of implementation?The process includes a separate contract for GDS and Priceline/TravelWeb. Each contract must be completed, signed and returned, before any implementation can be started. Once the contracts are received we will send you a 5-step setup form via online which will need to be completed as thoroughly as possible. The form will include the proper name, address, rooms, amenities, pictures and descriptions. We may already have this information on your current website however, it is important to be specific on how you would like the property to be displayed through these channels.
7. How long does it take to be turned on?The entire process should take between 4-6 weeks and allow 2 weeks for visibility. Once the setup forms have been completed we will need to create your account using the information provided. This is why we ask that you thoroughly complete the forms so we have all the information needed to create the account.
8. How long does it take to be bookable?Each GDS channel updates their database at different times and frequencies. Unfortunately we do not know these times or frequencies and can only assume they update at least once a month. If the property is brand new to the GDS and has never had any affiliation with any other GDS provider, the likelihood of their visibility being shorter is much higher. The GDS channels will add on new properties before they update old ones. This is why we allow 2 weeks for visibility, however, it could be longer.
9. Why is it important to be on the GDS?It is very important to be on the GDS because this information is the only information travel agents will see. Also, the portal travel sites are usually the first places guests will go to search for their next vacation. The more visible you are on the internet the more reservations you will acquire.
10. What are the booking statistics for GDS reservations?Nearly 300 million active Internet users have already purchased travel online. Online travel bookings have exceeded $100 billion since 2005. GDS on average produces up to 30% of all hotel bookings. The biggest advantage for any hotel is having the largest online exposure to the online markets through GDS where millions of buyers and sellers work together to exchange travel services.
The demand for direct electronic access to hotel websites is growing exponentially. No hotel company can afford to ignore this explosive growth of online hotel internet reservation bookings. Now that many of your questions have been answered and you are still interested in connecting with GDS please call the office so we can get you started today!
Ask for Valerie
386-760-1774
