AC 2.2

Question 1

Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

Answer 1

A global distribution system (GDS) is a network operated by a company that enables automated transactions between travel service providers (mainly airlines, hotels, and car rental companies) and travel agencies. These businesses can access scheduling and inventory of hotels, airlines, car rentals, and railway and bus reservations in real-time. Major GDS networks include Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.

Question 2

Databases

Answer 2

Databases used by the tourism industry may vary from simple customer databases used by small hotels and guest houses to huge databases used by the likes of Thomson Holidays (TUI). Useful databases also include the wide range of statistics produced by organisations such as VisitBritain and the Office for National Statistics.

Customer databases and tourism statistics help tourism organisations such as hotels and tour operators market their products, target customers (database marketing) and plan for the future. The more tourism organisations know about their customers, the more precise and effective their marketing becomes.

Question 3

Online bookings and payments

Answer 3

There are many different online booking systems, such as Rezgo and Trekksoft, which offer secure and quick payment systems. Modern and efficient online booking systems are compatible with tablets, PCs and mobile phones.

Nearly 60% of travellers book their travel online. If tourism organisations do not offer customers the ability to book holidays or activities in real-time, they will miss out on valuable bookings.

Some online booking systems also help tourism organisations with direct marketing and promotions.

Question 4

Websites

Answer 4

Websites provide a wealth of information and images for customers who are interested in making a booking or visiting a destination and its attractions. In recent years, some websites have become more sophisticated as they target specific tourist types and try to build on their online relationship with these customers.

Question 5

Feedback

Answer 5

The global tourism industry is very competitive. Tourism organisations may have wonderful websites selling amazing products at a price that customers want, but so do their competitors. Reviews collected by businesses such as Feefo can help to generate more potential customers to tourism organisations. This can help to increase customer/visitor numbers and increase sales and profits. Reviews and ratings from customers will also influence other customers and help tourism organisations improve their products and services and plan for the future. Perhaps the best-known review website is Tripadvisor.

Question 6

Ticketless travel

Answer 6

Ticketless travelSome airlines offer ticketless travel which means a booking has been made online and the passenger is only required to present a passport and booking reference number. However, many airlines still require a printed boarding pass. Ticketless travel can be seen as more efficient as less paper is involved for transport organisations.

Question 7

Apps

Answer 7

Apps are playing an increasingly important role in the tourism industry. The days of guidebooks, maps, and other printed material have largely been replaced by apps. Tasks such as making bookings and gathering information have become automated, saving time and money for customers and the tourism industry. The relationship between travel and technology is getting closer, and tourism businesses need to adapt to this new technological shift and make sure they are able to reach their customers in the mobile environment and become an active part of their digital lives. These apps are most commonly used for searching for a hotels and restaurants and making bookings, maps, flight deals and check-ins prior to a flight.