GDS use among agents on the up in wake of the pandemic
Gary NoakesAgents are using GDSs more now than they did prior to the pandemic, new research has revealed.
Half of all agents in a poll run by MarketCast said they were using the legacy systems more than before, with 36% saying they used them the same amount of time and only 14% less than before.
More than a third – 36% – said usage of travel "mega sites" had fallen and 45% said their use of alternative accommodation providers was also less than pre-pandemic.
MarketCast surveyed more than 1,000 agents from 60-plus countries in response to the survey for Amadeus.
The survey found 60% of agents now logged onto a GDS more than four times a day and that surprisingly, GDS usage was growing at a much faster pace than other online booking tools or websites.
Rate parity was important to users worldwide, with three out of five agents actively avoiding hotels that do not offer consistent rates across GDS providers.
The survey said travel brands must recognise agents were using GDSs more frequently and should give rate parity and accurate information.
“To reach leisure travellers, marketers have to keep in mind that travel agents have also experienced shifts and have new needs,” it said.
“They are seen as valued advisors in the Covid-19 era as clients need increasing support to research, book, and readjust plans as needed.”
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