1. Global Reservations Technologies
Chapter 5
Global Reservations Technologies

2. Global Distribution
Travel agents were the first step in the development of today’s global distribution system.
Global distribution brought 3 things:
-Seamless Connectivity
-Last room Availability
-Electronic Switch Technology
Seamless Connectivity-
LRA-
Electronic Switch Technology-

3. Application Service Providers
Single Image Inventory- inventory prices available to all users, even negotiated rates.
Single Image- One inventory-price and availability- are viewed by the GDS, CRO, and Internet-based distribution systems. The result is lower error rate in reservations bookings and a resulting improvement in overall customer service. Difference from LRA is that LRA using PMS systems for its information.

4. Traditional Reservation Channels
The Changing Role of the Travel Agent- more people are booking their own stays via the internet. Travel agents were once paid an uncapped 10% commission, airline companies have since capped the earnings at $20.
Travel Agents National Day of Awareness, August 30, prior to 9/11. Increased operating costs have squeezed airline profitability.

5. The Hotel-Travel Agent Relationship- Hotels still pay a 10% commission.
Unlikely to change. Travel agent bookings account for 15% of all hotel rooms booked. Travel agents argue that hoteliers are slow in paying commissions and they are often inaccurate.

6. Central Reservations Centers
Call centers- a large office with employees taking calls for a specific brand of hotel. Most have been outsourced in recent years.
In-house reservations- Employees at the hotel making reservations for that hotel only.
Web-based reservations- Reservations booked online by the traveler, these have become the most popular in recent years.