What are the top tips for booking corporate event travel with GDS?

1 Know your options

Before you start booking, it's important to know what GDS platforms are available and which ones suit your needs best. There are four major GDS providers: Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and Travelsky. Each one has its own features, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as different coverage and availability of travel suppliers and markets. Depending on your location, industry, and preferences, you may find one GDS more suitable than another. For example, Amadeus is popular in Europe and Asia, Sabre is dominant in North America, Travelport covers a wide range of travel segments, and Travelsky is the main GDS in China. You may also want to consider the user interface, functionality, and pricing of each GDS platform.

2 Use filters and codes

One of the advantages of using a GDS is that you can access a large amount of travel information and options in one place. However, this can also be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you have to book for multiple travelers and events. That's why using filters and codes can help you narrow down your search and find the best deals and offers for your corporate event travel. Filters allow you to specify criteria such as dates, destinations, prices, ratings, amenities, and policies, while codes enable you to access special rates, discounts, and promotions from travel suppliers. For example, you can use corporate codes to get lower fares and benefits from airlines and hotels that have agreements with your company, or use group codes to book for a large number of travelers at once.

3 Confirm and verify

Once you have found and booked the travel services that suit your corporate event travel needs, it's crucial to confirm and verify your bookings with the travel suppliers and the travelers. This will help you avoid any errors, misunderstandings, or changes that may affect your travel plans and budget. You can use the GDS to send confirmation emails, invoices, and itineraries to the travelers and the travel suppliers, as well as to check the status and details of your bookings at any time. You can also use the GDS to make any modifications or cancellations if needed, but be aware of the fees and penalties that may apply.

4 Monitor and report

Another benefit of using a GDS is that you can monitor and report on your corporate event travel performance and expenses. This will help you track your travel spending, optimize your travel policy, and improve your travel management. You can use the GDS to generate reports on various aspects of your corporate event travel, such as the number of bookings, the average cost, the savings, the compliance, and the satisfaction of the travelers. You can also use the GDS to compare your travel data with industry benchmarks and best practices, and to identify areas of improvement and opportunities for future corporate event travel.

5 Stay updated and informed

Finally, using a GDS requires staying updated and informed on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the travel industry. This will help you adapt to the changing needs and expectations of your corporate event travelers, as well as to the evolving regulations and standards of the travel suppliers and markets. You can use the GDS to access news, alerts, and insights on various topics related to corporate event travel, such as safety, sustainability, technology, and customer service. You can also use the GDS to learn new skills and techniques, and to access training and support from the GDS providers and experts.