CRS are extremely popular and widespread, especially among
airlines. It is estimated that 70% of all bookings are made through this channel
(European Travel Agents??™ and Tour Operators??™ Associations, 2004).
Figure 2. The various tourism information systems that need to be integrated
Tour sm Informat on Systems
CRS HDS GDS DMS Web s tes
1
Develop ng Dynam c Packag ng Appl cat ons
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Global Distribution System
A GDS is a super switch connecting several CRSs. A GDS integrates tourism information
about airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and other travel products. It is used
almost exclusively by travel agents. The airline industry created the GDS concept
in the 1960s. As with CRSs, the goal was to keep track of airline schedules, availability,
fares, and related services. Prior to the introduction of GDSs, travel agents
spent a considerable amount of time manually entering reservations. Since GDSs
allowed automating the reservation process for travel agents, they were able to be
productive and turn into an extension of the airline??™s sales force (HotelOnline, 2002).
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