TOURISM Computer Systems Information Systems in Hospitality

Objectives What is an application? Understand various types of computer systems that are used in the tourism industry and their functions. Information Systems in Hospitality

Tourism computer applications An important concept when discussing tourism software is the integrated system. Integrated booking system is a various computer applications together supporting the managing and controlling all aspects of travel operations. The system should handle every transaction from the guest’s initial contact to the final billing. Information Systems in Hospitality

Global distribution system The airline industry created the first GDS in the 1960s as a way to keep track of flight schedules, availability, and prices. The GDSs were actually among the first e- commerce companies in the world facilitating B-2-B electronic commerce as early as the mid 1970s, when SABRE (owned by American Airline) and Apollo (United) began installing their propriety internal reservations systems in travel agencies Information Systems in Hospitality

There are currently four major GDS systems Amadeus Galileo Sabre Worldspan Other smaller systems that serve for specific regions and/or countries: SITA's Sahara Infini (Japan) Axess (Japan) Tapas (Korea) Fantasia (South Pacific) Abacus (Asia/Pacific) Information Systems in Hospitality

Global Distribution systems GDS is also adopted in hotel industry to improve the management quality in following aspects: Sales increase Customer now can easily check the availability of room and compare the price online. GDS also increases the possibility of that customer access to the hotel commercial or advertisement. Price and allocation management Based on the real-time data in GDS, hotel owner can make best pricing strategy to guarantee the profit. To chose the timing for sale promotion, the historical data and current room-occupancy status can be the best indicator. Packages Through GDS, Hotel is not only selling a room for stay anymore, more comprehensive service could be provided to entice customer. For example, hotel and car-rental can be made into a bundle to increase the customer value perspective. Information Systems in Hospitality

Global Distribution Systems (GDS) Owned by airlines Used by travel agents Access travel/tourism inventories worldwide Link to reservation systems of: Hotels Airlines Car Rental Companies Travel agencies

Internet Distribution Systems (IDSs) Owned by independent Web companies Used by consumers Link to: Hotel central reservation systems Switching company GDS

Computer Rerservation Systems Functions and Services Provides properties with necessary technology Communicates room availability to e-distribution channels Delivers reservations to properties Maintains statistical information (call volume, talk time, conversion rates, denial rates) Provides customer relationship management (loyalty programs) Maintains demographic information about callers Bills properties for handling reservations

Example of global system Information Systems in Hospitality

Summary There are various types of systems In the tourism industry these are called the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) They perform and provide service to the all airlines, agencies etc. Information Systems in Hospitality

Activity Why use a computer system? What is meant by GDS? Name the major GDS systems. Read information on GDS systems: http://www.traveltecnik.com/2007/12/history-of-global- distribution-systems.html Glossary http://www.signup4.com/glossary/ Information Systems in Hospitality

Home work Research and list two systems and 4 technology trend that are used in the tourism industry. Post this to the home work forum. Information Systems in Hospitality

references http://hotel-ict.blogspot.com/2011/04/gds- global-distribution-system-connect.html Global Distribution Systems in Present Times - Written By: Samipatra Das - HVS International. Available http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4013406.html Information Systems in Hospitality