(Learning outcome from lecture)
GDS stands for Global Distribution System. This a term used to describe the large and sophisticated electronic travel reservation systems currently in use throughout the world.Four main global distribution systems (GDS):
-Amadeus
-Sabre
-Galileo
-Worldspan
With the migration of hotel room distribution to the internet, GDS has become the interactive travel services industry.
"Today’s GDSs provide the wide variety of highly complex travel services demanded by today’s modern travel agent meeting the needs of today’s savvy traveler."
-source: http://www.interactivetravel.org/IndustryBackground/GDS_Central_to_Travel_Distribution.asp
GDSs are responsible for some of the most important innovations in the travel industry: innovations like e-ticketing; travel e-commerce; graphic seat selection; and the ability for agents and travelers to view on one screen.
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In response to this article http://www.hotelmule.com/html/37/n-2037.html which states:
"Many of these channels use price as a principal parameter. Hence, a strategic problem for hotels is to avoid having price be customers’ main (or only) consideration for a room booking. One chief way to offset the trend toward commoditization is to provide customers with considerable information to distinguish properties based on their provision of services."
Now, most hotels offer the same standard service:
- 24-hour Concierge
- 24-hour Room Service
- Guest-chosen daily newspaper delivery
- Complimentary shoeshine service
- Laundry and dry cleaning services
- Limousine and rental car service
- Babysitting on request
- Kids program (treasure hunt, DVD, customized gifts…)
- Pets program (special menus, dog sitting…)
Some technologies are considered "must haves" by guests, when it comes to guest room amenities. While other amenities are considered a pleasant added benefit.
Researching further into in-room technologies, I have found that not only do they have an importance level to guests in hotels, but guests are also continually making conscious evaluations of how satisfied they are with the in-room amenities different hotels offer.
In my concept product, a digital touch screen interactive display which provides guests with a service of searching for particular attractions, it could make to the success of the organisation by being the one of the first of its kind. It improves the hotels effectiveness by readily providing information at the tip of guests fingertips and can easily be kept up to real time.
Disadvantages/ Risks of using Concept:
- Can lead to misinterpretation of sources provided. Customer hotels using the product/service should maintain constant attention to changes in attractions and updates to local restaurants/entertainments on offer.
- Carrying out basic security and maintenance functions
- Considerations of back-up procedures
- Identification and resolution of equipment problems
- Sources of help with equipment problems
