The Ultimate Guide To Global Distribution Systems (GDS) For Hotels

Did you know nearly 60% of hotel bookings worldwide are made online through global distribution systems (GDS)? Even before OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com emerged, GDS platforms powered global bookings, and in 2024, they’ve become even more vital.

Booking Holdings reported $43.4 billion in gross bookings, as 80% of travelers now prefer booking online. The same study suggests that Millennials (86%) and Gen Zers (83%) lead this shift, demanding speed, choice, and simplicity.

So what’s driving this evolution? Digital connectivity. 

Today’s travelers expect instant access to rooms, whether they’re booking for business or leisure. GDS platforms meet that demand with fast, connected distribution.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear look at what is a global distribution system (GDS) for hotels, how it works behind the scenes, and how it helps you appear where your future guests are already searching.

 

 

What is a global distribution system (GDS)?

A global distribution system connects your hotel to travel agents, OTAs, and corporate booking platforms globally. It works like a real-time marketplace where sellers and buyers meet instantly and transact without delay.

Here’s how the typical process flows:

• You upload your hotel’s rates and availability to your central reservation system (CRS) or property management system (PMS)
• Your CRS then sends this data directly to the GDS
• From there, thousands of travel agents and corporate bookers access your hotel via their GDS interfaces (like Sabre Red or Amadeus Selling Platform)
• Your hotel appears with up-to-date rates, availability, photos, and amenity details every time someone runs a search
• When someone books your room, the GDS updates your availability across all connected platforms without extra effort
• You stay visible and bookable 24/7 across global sales channels

The earliest GDS emerged in the 1960s, when American Airlines and IBM created Sabre (Semi Automated Business Research Environment) to manage airline bookings. Airlines used these systems to view their flight inventory and confirm reservations in real time.

By the late 1970s, airlines gave travel agents computer access to these systems, replacing paper schedules and phone calls with automated booking. Over time, other airlines, hotels, and car rental companies joined these platforms to expand their reach.

What does a global distribution system do for hotels?

If you’re a hotelier in 2025, the question isn’t whether you can afford to be on a GDS, it’s whether you can afford not to be. 

A GDS gives your hotel instant access to travel agents and corporate bookers worldwide, helping you increase bookings, improve visibility in business travel programs, and grow your revenue per room.

 

Here’s what a GDS helps your hotel achieve:

1. Access to global markets

GDS platforms connect your hotel to over 600,000 travel agents and corporate bookers worldwide. This global reach is especially crucial if you’re located in a tourist-heavy area or serve international business travelers. Through GDS, your property becomes visible to travelers in every time zone, with the ability to book instantly.

2. Better visibility for business travel

Corporate travel managers use GDS tools to book hotels, flights, and transportation in one single platform. As mentioned earlier, the majority of global business travel bookings still happen through GDS platforms, and that number continues to grow.

You appear in RFPs, preferred supplier lists, and company-negotiated travel programs that drive recurring midweek and long-stay bookings.

3. Higher occupancy and RevPAR

You reach more travelers without overbooking, which increases occupancy and boosts your Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Because GDS bookings are often made by corporate travelers or travel agents handling high-value itineraries, these bookings tend to be:

• Less price-sensitive
• Longer in duration
• More likely to include upgrades or additional services

As a result, even if GDS bookings represent a smaller percentage of your total bookings, they often yield the highest profit per booking.

4. Seamless connection to corporate travel programs

You show up in corporate booking tools like Concur, CWT, and Egencia, which connect directly to GDS platforms. Companies that book through these tools prefer hotels with negotiated rates, loyalty benefits, and contract terms.

You can participate in managed travel programs and volume-based deals that generate long-term, repeat business.

5. Acts as a centralized booking system

A GDS actively manages your availability across hundreds of channels at once. It allows your hotel to:

• Distribute real-time rates and inventory
• Automatically sync changes to availability
• Avoid overbooking or manual errors

This real-time automation is powered by integrations between your PMS/CRS and the GDS, ensuring that any booking immediately reflects in your system.

6. Distributes live rates and availability

You publish live prices, room types, and inventory with immediate visibility across global booking platforms used by agents and corporations. Every update you make, whether pricing, minimum stay rules, or blackout dates, syncs automatically and shows up everywhere.

You avoid delays, missed bookings, and confusion caused by outdated or inconsistent listings on third-party systems.

7. Connects hotels to thousands of travel agents and corporate clients

By leveraging GDS, your hotel can work with:

• Leisure travel agents creating custom itineraries
• Corporate travel managers handling bulk and VIP bookings
• Tour operators bundling hotels with flights and activities
• Consortia groups like Virtuoso or Travel Leaders, which represent elite travel advisors

Each of these buyer types can be a lucrative guest channel, and all are accessible through a single connection to a GDS.

What are the top global distribution systems in the world?

There are six major GDS dominating the hotel and travel industry in 2025. Each of these platforms connects millions of travel buyers with inventory from airlines, hotels, rental cars, and more:

The top global distribution systems in 2025 are Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, Pegasus, DHISCO, and SynXis. These six platforms dominate the hotel and travel industry, connecting millions of travel buyers to inventory from airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more.

 

1. Amadeus

 

Established in 1887, Amadeus provides global distribution services to the travel industry and holds a strong market position in Southeast Asia. It now ranks among the world’s largest global distribution system providers, and provides access to hotel reservations, flight bookings, car rentals, and additional travel services.

The company operates across more than 190 countries and maintains its headquarters in Spain. The platform lets you connect with a vast network of travel agents and booking platforms through Amadeus’s global presence. Hotels use this access to increase their visibility and attract more guests across international markets.

2. Sabre

 

Sabre, founded by American Airlines in 1960, dominates the North American travel market with its robust GDS platform. You gain access to hotel reservations, flight bookings, and car rentals through one consolidated system that delivers speed and precision. Travel agents receive real-time inventory and pricing updates, allowing them to respond to travelers with accurate, immediate options.

Sabre offers over 100 APIs and 600 integrations that connect with its own portfolio and third-party hotel systems. These include property management systems, revenue management systems, channel managers, and others used by hotels worldwide. 

3. Travelport

 

Travelport holds the smallest market share among the “big three” GDS companies, which also include Apollo, Worldspan, and Galileo global distribution systems. Although the company operates out of the UK, it primarily serves the United States through its child networks.

You reach a wide base of travel agencies through Travelport, even without relying heavily on its domestic market. Its structure allows you to distribute your hotel inventory globally without facing regional limitations or platform restrictions. 

4. Pegasus

 

Cendyn and Pegasus merged in early 2022, combining hotel technology and distribution under one platform. Hoteliers built Pegasus CRS for staff managing availability, rates, and inventory across all property sizes. You can take control of those functions if you manage revenue, operations, or general property performance.

For chain-level users, Pegasus CRS allows updates across properties to keep everything uniform and accurate. You send those updates instantly to the booking engine, OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com, and other connected distributors. The platform also offers full integrations with top PMS platforms like HMS, Opera, LMS, and Stayntouch without requiring extra tools.

5. DHISCO

 

DHISCO, acquired by RateGain Technologies in 2018, is one of the industry’s largest processors of electronic hotel transactions that delivers connectivity and distribution solutions. It connects over 100,000 hotels and 800 hotel chains through a platform built for performance and reach. 

The company processes more than eight billion transactions each month with unmatched speed and reliability. You gain connectivity in over 200 countries, tapping into a distribution network that scales with your business.

6. SynXis

 

The SynXis Central Reservation System (SynXis CRS) from Sabre Hospitality distributes availability, rates, and inventory across OTAs, GDSs, booking engines, and call centers. You manage all this at either the corporate or property level without losing consistency or control across any channel. 

The engine adapts to traveler behaviors so you capture more revenue in a changing market. Its strong technology reduces downtime and keeps your platform active. You control your brand’s online look and functionality while managing every detail of the booking engine’s interface. That control helps you maintain consistency and create a better booking experience.

Global distribution systems (GDS): A side-by-side comparison

To help you evaluate the top GDS in 2025, here’s a comparative table detailing their features, market share, regional strengths, and hotel support:

Platform Name	Features	Market Share	Regions	Hotel Support
Amadeus	Offers comprehensive travel services including hotel reservations, flight bookings, and car rentals. Operates in over 190 countries. Offers integration with the roomMaster Channel Manager.	Largest (Over 40%)	Strong presence in Europe and Southeast Asia	Connects with a vast network of travel agents and booking platforms, increasing hotel visibility in international markets.
Sabre	Provides a consolidated system for hotel reservations, flight bookings, and car rentals. Features the SynXis Central Reservation System (CRS) with over 100 APIs and 600 integrations. Offers integration with the roomMaster Channel Manager.	High (Over 40%)	Dominant in North America and expanding in Asia through subsidiary Abacus	Enables management of availability, rates, and inventory across multiple channels at both corporate and property levels.
Travelport	Comprises three GDS platforms. Facilitates hotel inventory distribution globally. Offers integration with the roomMaster Channel Manager.	Moderate (Around 22%)	Primarily serves the United States; less reliant on domestic market compared to competitors	Allows hotel owners to distribute services to travel agencies worldwide, expanding reach beyond regional limitations.
Pegasus	Merged with Cendyn in 2022. Offers a CRS for managing availability, rates, and inventory. Integrates with top PMS platforms.	Niche player; specific market share data not available	Global	Provides control over functions for revenue, operations, and property performance management.
DHISCO	Connects over 100,000 hotels and 800 hotel chains. Processes over eight billion transactions monthly. Features smart cache technology and change hint notifications.	Niche player; specific market share data not available	Global	Offers a platform built for performance and reach, maintaining system responsiveness under heavy volume.
SynXis	Modern booking platform designed for hotels and accommodation providers. Facilitates direct conversions and manages rates and packages for different customer segments. Offers integration with the roomMaster Channel Manager.	Part of Sabre’s offerings, included in Sabre’s market share	Global	Provides control over the brand’s online presence and booking engine interface, enhancing guest experience.

Which GDS system is best for hotels?

No single GDS works best for every hotel, because each system fits different needs based on specific business factors. To make the right choice, you need to assess your hotel’s location, guest profile, and distribution goals. Some systems dominate in certain markets or serve particular traveler types more effectively than others.

Before you commit, ask yourself a few key questions to guide your decision:

• Does the GDS cover destinations your guests travel to most often?
• How many travel sites and booking platforms does the system connect with?
• Does the GDS support integrations with your PMS for rates, availability, and inventory control?
• How does its pricing compare to others—think commissions, fees, and monthly costs?

Use those answers to select a GDS that fits your business, supports your distribution strategy, and brings measurable value.

For example:

• If you target business travel, choose Sabre or Amadeus to tap into strong corporate travel demand
• If your hotel operates in North America, go with Travelport to access deep regional connectivity
• If you run a luxury or boutique property, use Pegasus or SynXis to reach premium guests with tailored tools
• If you manage a global chain, opt for Amadeus or Sabre for consistent international reach and brand visibility

Difference between CRS and GDS

People often confuse a CRS with a GDS because both handle inventory and bookings, but they serve very different purposes. One manages what you own, and the other shares it with the world.

A central reservation system (CRS) is a software solution that allows hotels or hotel groups to manage:

• Room inventory
• Rates
• Policies (cancellation, check-in/out)
• Direct bookings (website, call center)
• Multi-property reservations

You also use it to handle multi-property reservations if you run a chain or group. It acts as your control center where rates and availability are set, and where all bookings are processed before being sent to your PMS.

In contrast, a GDS does not manage your bookings or inventory internally. It distributes them externally to travel agents, corporate booking platforms, and online travel agencies. You use it purely for exposure and bookings across third-party channels—not for day-to-day management.

The two systems work together to create a complete distribution flow. Your CRS manages the backend, feeds inventory into the GDS, and pushes updated data across all connected channels. That connection helps you avoid pricing inconsistencies or overbookings while expanding your visibility in the global travel market.

Here’s a simple flow:

PMS ← CRS ↔ GDS ↔ Travel Agent / OTA / Corporate Buyer

You can also use a channel manager to manage connections to GDS, OTAs, and metasearch platforms all from one place. Many modern hotel technology providers offer a CRS, channel manager, and GDS bundle.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you better understand both:

Feature	CRS	GDS
Purpose	Inventory & booking management	Global distribution & booking access
Users	Hotel staff	Travel agents, corporate buyers
Integration	Connects to PMS, GDS, booking engine	Connects to CRS or channel manager
Booking Type	Direct bookings (website, call center)	Third-party bookings (agents, OTAs, TMCs)

How to connect your hotel to a GDS

You can connect your hotel to a GDS through several different methods. The right method often depends on the systems you already use and how much control you want over updates and distribution.

For example:

• Through your PMS: If your PMS supports GDS integration, you can connect directly without needing extra software. This setup pushes room availability, rates, and booking updates to the GDS automatically
• Via your CRS or Channel Manager: Hotels that manage multiple channels often rely on a CRS or channel manager for GDS distribution. This method works well if you need to update multiple platforms in one go
• Using a GDS aggregator or connectivity provider: These providers serve as a middle layer between your systems and the GDS. They come in handy when your PMS or CRS doesn’t support direct GDS integration

Once you’ve chosen how to connect, you need to get your property ready for onboarding. Without the right content and configurations, your hotel won’t attract attention on GDS platforms. 

Here’s what to include:

• Property description: Clear, detailed text that describes your hotel’s location, amenities, and vibe
• High-resolution photos: Of rooms, public spaces, dining areas, and more. These must meet GDS quality and format standards
• Rate plans and availability: You’ll define BAR (Best Available Rate), corporate rates, negotiated rates, and package deals
• Room types: Room names, bed types, features (balcony, kitchen, etc.)
• Policies: Cancellation, no-show, check-in/check-out times, pet policies, etc
• Location data and GDS codes: Geo-coordinates and specific GDS chain codes if applicable

After uploading everything, the GDS will distribute your listings across travel agencies, OTAs, and corporate booking tools. 

roomMaster GDS connectivity

The roomMaster Channel Manager connects your property to the world’s leading GDS platforms like Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, abacus, and SynXis through one simplified interface. You don’t need to manage each GDS separately because roomMaster brings everything under one roof.

Over 80% of GDS users book for corporate travelers, so you tap into high-value business bookings and raise your average daily rates. GDS also lets travel agents and OTAs access your live inventory, which helps increase reach and drive more consistent revenue.

Every time a GDS reservation comes in, roomMaster updates your availability across all channels in real time. The Channel Manager reduces inventory across connected platforms and pushes reservation details directly into your hotel management software.

You also sync live rates and availability from your PMS to the GDS, so you control pricing at every touchpoint. That helps you adapt quickly to changing demand while maintaining consistency across systems and channels.

With the roomMaster Channel Manager, you can connect to over 300+ popular OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, CTrip, and Airbnb using the same roomMaster interface. That central connection helps you maximize occupancy, prevent overbookings, and manage all listings without extra effort.

The best part is that roomMaster integrates with ampliphi, an advanced revenue management system powered by automation and AI. ampliphi analyzes real-time market data and booking patterns to recommend optimized GDS pricing with minimal manual work.

The platform adjusts rates dynamically and keeps your revenue strategy sharp across corporate travel channels. Together, roomMaster and ampliphi give you full control, smarter pricing, and stronger revenue performance from a single connected solution.

Should your hotel use a GDS?

Today, GDS have evolved from clunky airline networks to powerful hotel sales engines. As a hotelier, when you connect your hotel to a GDS, it expands your reach, attracts higher-value bookings, and drives stronger revenue from corporate travel. 

You connect directly with travel agents and OTAs booking for clients who prioritize reliability, availability, and fast confirmation. It also increases visibility for international travelers who use agencies to secure hotels in unfamiliar markets.

A GDS works best if your hotel targets:

• Business travelers booking through agencies or corporate accounts
• International tourists who rely on trusted travel networks
• Corporate clients and travel managers looking for consistency and convenience

To tap into these segments efficiently, you need a setup that reduces manual work, syncs your data, and gives you control. 

Book a demo call to explore how roomMaster can help your hotel get listed on major GDS networks.

FAQs

What is a global distribution system (GDS) in hotels?

A global distribution system connects hotels to travel agents worldwide, enabling real-time booking through platforms like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.

What are the top 6 global distribution systems?

The top GDS providers include Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, Galileo, Worldspan, and Abacus, offering wide hotel distribution and global booking access.

Is Expedia considered a GDS?

No, Expedia is an online travel agency (OTA), not a GDS. It sells inventory sourced through GDS platforms or direct hotel connections.

What is the largest GDS system?

Amadeus is the largest global distribution system, providing hotel, airline, and travel content to agents across more than 190 countries.

What is the difference between a CRS and a GDS?

A CRS manages a hotel’s rates, availability, and bookings. A GDS distributes that information to travel agents and booking channels worldwide.

Which GDS system is best?

The best GDS system depends on your hotel’s location and audience. Sabre, Amadeus, Travelport, and Pegasus each offer unique advantages based on market focus, connectivity, and property type.