Reservation Nexus True Seamless GDS TM |
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True Seamless GDS TM
Promote your inn to hundreds of travel websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, etc. as well as to thousands of travel agencies without the management headache of normal GDS.
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GDS is extremely easy with Reservation Nexus. Not so much elsewhere.
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Automated with True Seamless GDS:
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Normal GDS:
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When Reservation Nexus researched integrating GDS into Reservation Nexus, we were astounded by how much work other property management systems passed on to innkeepers in order to get up and running. There were hours of complicated setup. Not to mention that once on GDS, every time room rates or minimum nights changed, innkeepers had to spend hours updating these changes to GDS. What we found was that over time the rates on GDS didn't match what inns had in their guest management systems. These different rates cost them not only time, but revenue. A fresh approach was needed. We call it True Seamless GDS. When you make changes in Reservation Nexus, they seamless are communicated to GDS for you. |
GDS is affordable high exposure.
GDS is about increased exposure. For most inns GDS is a no brainer. It's affordable and even if the bookings don't roll in directly from GDS, more and more potential guests are learning about your inn. Some guests will find you on a travel website and then book by phone or online on your website, trying to avoid any extra "booking fees".
Keep in mind, much like it takes time for a new website to move up on Google, the same thing exists with GDS: you start at the bottom of the list. Most initial GDS reservations come from travel agents (there are thousands of them!) where the playing field is level. You can pay to be moved up more quickly or higher on sites like Expedia, Travelocity, etc. but for the most part we recommend that you wait. Over time you naturally move up and are promoted more and more. If you are already on GDS, you may see a dip as you make the switch.
For the most part we highly recommend GDS for all inns because it will bring in more overall revenue and business. If you feel GDS is the next move for your business, click here for pricing. Read more about how GDS is about exposure at Suite Exchange, a blog about how to run a bed and breakfast.
Travel Websites: Retail vs. Merchant
There are two types of travel websites: retail and merchant. Retail travel websites list almost any hotel or inn. Examples are Travelocity.com and Expedia.com. Merchant travel websites require an additional contract along with additional fees or commissions. Examples are Hotels.com and Orbitz.com. Retail travel sites almost always have premium services and preferred placement through merchant agreements.
Often if you previously had a merchant agreement, retail travel websites normally won't let you go back to retail or there is a delay when switching back. That's why we recommend starting with retail travel websites and adding merchant travel websites and agreements as needed and desired.
For more details and specifics click here.
Affordable Full GDS Integration
There are lodging directories on the market that indicate some form of GDS integration. In reality they only connect to a handful of travel websites they've struck deals with individually. Full GDS is about integrating with all three major GDS networks and to thousands of travel agents. If in doubt ask for a list of GDS networks they integrate with and the number of travel agents. If they return with a short list, buyers beware.
Another tactic that is commonly used are high commissions ranging from 20% to 30% to even 50% of the total reservation amount. With Reservation Nexus' True Seamless GDS you are charged $15 a reservation (click here for current pricing) plus any travel agent commissions if it was booked by a travel agent. While travel agent fees do vary, we are seeing most are around 10%, not 30%.
Think about this: it doesn't matter if the guest stays one night or ten nights, the Reservation Nexus GDS fee is only $15. A good number of GDS reservations are multiple nights. That's affordable and leaves the revenue where it belongs: in your bank account.