What is a GDS?

A GDS is a “network operated by a company that enables automated transactions between third parties and booking agents in order to provide travel-related services to the end consumers.” A GDS is not a reservation system in itself and holds no inventory. Instead, it makes the real-time connection to the various reservations systems used by vendors allowing travel agents to use one system to connect with thousands of vendors. While the GDS is the primary system used by travel agents, it is by no means the only one. Travel management companies utilize a combination of one or more GDSs, direct connects to supplier websites,internet consumer websites, and proprietary systems to achieve the widest possible breadth of services and inventory for their clients.