Global Distribution Systems (GDS) are used by Travel Agents (TAs) and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to book hotels, offering real-time availability of rooms, rates, and dates. But getting the most out of your GDS can often be more difficult than it should be. Used correctly, GDS can help your hotel reach over 700,000+ global TAs as they select the right properties for their clients, so having the best tips and tricks up your sleeve when you need them can make all the difference.
In this three-part series, several of SHR’s resident experts discuss the major GDS challenges hoteliers are facing today, and practical ways to not only solve these challenges, but really get your GDS working for you. This week, I sat down with Kameron Martinez, Key Client Success Manager at SHR, to explore three simple yet crucial best practice steps to getting more revenue out of your GDS starting today.
#1 Think of Your TA as Your Guest
We all know that hoteliers have more competition than ever before, and that applies to attracting TAs as well as guests, so any booking commissions you’re offering need to be placed in the right spot so TAs can easily see what they’re getting. “It’s their livelihood, and they’re keen to book a commissionable rate versus BAR,” Kameron said. It’s important to note that this issue often doesn’t come up until the TA tries to book your hotel — or passes it by. A handy way to think about this? “You have to remember that on the GDS, the TA is really your guest because they see you first,” Kameron said. “So, make what you’re offering them clear the first time so they can pick your hotel quickly.”
