ASTA Report Finds Sustained Economic Recovery; Continued Value of GDS Distribution
ASTA released the results of its 2011 Global Distribution System (GDS) Report, a 63-page study designed to assist agencies in evaluating their current GDS contracts and help industry suppliers gain insight into the travel agency distribution channel. Among its key findings, the study found that for the first time since 2008, the percentage of agencies reporting increased bookings (34%) through their GDS was higher than those seeing a decrease (24%), a signal of a sustained economic recovery. This report also confirms the value of the GDS distribution to the travel agency industry. When renegotiating their contracts, a majority of GDS subscribers (65%) say they value their GDS for its ease-of-use and many (50%) see no viable alternative.
"The report not only provides agents with a comparative analysis of the deals agencies have negotiated, but it also compares agency satisfaction by GDS vendor. This is a must-have for any agency with a GDS contract up for renewal, said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. Just as important, it's a must-have for any supplier looking to improve distribution through the GDS channel."
The report is the only one of its kind that specifically examines GDS usage, contracts and distribution trends from the agencies' point of view and takes a close look at the reasons agencies use GDSs.