Independent Hotels witnessed a 34.5 percent rise in bookings in 2023 compared to 2022 via the Global Distribution System (GDS), according to HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts’ Independent Accommodation Insights Report. Additionally, there was 4.2 per cent increase in reservations compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
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After Air India announced offering its inventory solely through its select GDS, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) along with Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has urged the airline to review its decision. In a joint statement, the two associations said, “For these agencies including those which do not have access or frequently sell the airline seats on the GDS preferred by Air India, it is quite evident that selling Air India would not be an easy proposition and thus thay may opt for other airlines for their customers. For several established agencies, usage of GDS is governed by global agreements they have entered into and thus switching over or training their staff to get used to this limited GDS access will be a difficult option to cope with.’ On November 5, both the associations had a detailed discussion with the Air India Senior Management and conveyed that this decision of going exclusive on a GDS would be detrimental to the airline and this must be urgently reviewed. The associations are keen that Air India must not suffer any losses that would further damage the health of the airline. The senior management promised to revert in a day and on November 6, the associations received a phone call from them to inform that there will be no change in Air India’s stand. The joint statement goes on to add, “Air India has been reeling under tremendous financial challenges and instead of finding ways to increase its seat sales via an easy access through GDS channels, this move by the national carrier is shocking. The response given by Air India is that this would save its distribution costs. It is a …
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Sabre Corporation has announced the development of the new Sabre Content Services for Lodging, a technology solution that will integrate multiple sources of content including the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) and non-GDS sources such as aggregators, re-distributors, agency-sourced hotel content and other sources as identified. Planned for a 2018 launch, the new solution will also support a multi-representation display option of the content creating a whole new way to retail travel content. The solution will include the capabilities of Sabre APIs and will be incorporated across all Sabre points-of-sale: Sabre Red Workspace, GetThere and TripCase. Not only will it drive more efficiency and revenue with increased lodging choice, but for bothuyers and suppliers of lodging content this solution will extend tools that improve optimization capabilities to better manage chain, property, and rate-level preferred content. “As a travel technology leader with customers spanning six continents, we’re identifying areas that not only cater to the growing needs of travelers but also redefine the travel experience,” said Traci Mercer, Sabre senior vice president of lodging, ground, and sea. “The Sabre Lodging, Ground and Sea team is committed to enhancing our portfolio of lodging options, ensuring we continue to lead the way in meeting the distribution and e-commerce needs of these customer segments.”
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