A Travel GDS or Global Distribution System (GDS) can connect services, pricing, and bookings across all three travel sectors, particularly reservations in airlines, hotels, car rentals, and activities.

Traditionally, travel agencies relied on GDS for services, products, and rates to provide travel-related services to end-users. A GDS is capable of connecting services, fees, and reservations. It incorporates products and services from all three travel businesses, such as airline and hotel booking and car rentals. For air ticketing, travel GDS remains the dominant distribution channel.

The Global Distribution System, or GDS, has evolved into the backbone of the airline reservation engine and has gained a prominent position in the airline industry. Travel GDS systems facilitate transactions between travel agencies, DMCs, corporate agencies, and providers such as airlines, hotels, transfer providers, cruise lines, and sightseeing companies. Global distribution systems are consolidators/aggregators that offer travel booking and reservation software.  

Independent travel agents, internet agents, and travel agencies are increasingly relying on more sophisticated Travel GDS systems to get the best available travel and lodgings and pricing for their clients. Customers will be able to make real-time flight and hotel reservations through agents, and their research and bookings will be complete in minutes.

Travel GDS connects online booking software systems, B2B B2C portals, and metasearch engines in real-time. It is an aggregation and distribution platform. A travel agent can book flights, hotels, attractions, sightseeing, transfers, and car rental services using travel GDS software.