The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has released results of 2009 Global Distribution System (GDS) report. The report examines GDS usage, contracts and distribution trends from the agencies' point of view and takes a close look at the reasons agencies use GDSs. As per the report, a major trend in GDS contracts has been the movement of agencies away from fixed-rate based contracts to 'no-minimum' and productivity-based contracts, allowing agencies greater flexibility in how and when they use their GDS for booking. Among the report's findings: - About 40 per cent (39.7 per cent) of respondents said they have a 'no-minimum' pricing plan, up 60 per cent since 2005.
- Of agencies that have minimum-use clauses, 63.7 per cent stated that they never fell below their contracted amount.
- The majority of respondents (85.7 per cent) use only one GDS, with an additional 14.9 per cent using a secondary GDS, an increase compared to 2007 and 2008.
- Although GDS usage has decreased 19 per cent since 1999, more than three-quarters of ASTA agencies are satisfied or satisfied with their provider, with 55.4 per cent planning to renew their contract.
- About a quarter of respondents use a booking software programme with their GDS.
- The majority of respondents either produce less than 2,500 segments or more than 10,001 in 2008.
- About half of respondents (47.4 per cent) have a three year GDS contract. Over time the average length of contracts has decreased.
- Most agencies did not receive any incentives for signing their existing GDS contract.
- The majority of respondents felt that GDS air content and GDS functionality was the most important factors to consider when selecting a GDS.
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