Galileo Global Distribution System: Revolutionizing the Travel Industry
In the travel industry, the Galileo Global Distribution System (GDS) has been a pioneer in the field of computerized reservations systems. Established in 1971, it has been an important player in the industry for more than five decades. Galileo GDS was developed by a group of airlines led by United Airlines, which sought to create a platform that could enable travel agents to automate the booking and reservation process. In this article, we will delve into the history of Galileo, its market share, the implementation of New Distribution Capability (NDC), and Galileo Smartpoint.
As a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association), OTA (Open Travel Alliance) and SITA, Galileo was formed in 1987 by nine European carriers – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, British Airways, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Swissair, Olympic, Air Portugal, Sabena and Aer Lingus. Today, Galileo connects approximately 63,000 travel agencies worldwide to 460 airlines, 82,000 hotels, 29,000 car rental locations, 7,000 tourist attractions, and leading tour operators and cruise lines throughout the world. Knowledge of the Galileo GDS course at EG SKY Travel & Tourism Training Center definitely gives students in the travel and tourism field a distinct advantage as other GDSs like Sabre or Amadeus.
Galileo History
Galileo’s story began when a group of airlines in the United States decided to create a computer reservation system for their services. It was initially called the Apollo Reservation System and was launched in 1971. The system was initially designed to allow travel agents to make bookings and reservations for airlines. Over time, the system expanded to include other travel-related services such as car rentals, hotels, and cruises. In 1987, the Apollo Reservation System was acquired by Galileo International, which then became the global brand of the company.
Galileo Market Share
Galileo GDS is one of the largest global distribution systems in the world, with a significant market share. As of 2021, it has approximately 21% market share globally, behind Amadeus and Sabre. The company serves more than 200 travel agencies in over 190 countries worldwide, connecting millions of travelers to airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel service providers. Galileo’s extensive reach and partnerships with multiple airlines make it a preferred choice for travel agencies.
Galileo NDC
New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a new industry standard that enables airlines to distribute their content and ancillaries directly to travel agencies, bypassing the traditional GDS model. Galileo is one of the companies that have implemented NDC technology to offer travel agencies access to airline content beyond the traditional GDS model. This move has enabled travel agencies to offer more personalized and tailored travel experiences to their customers, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.
Galileo Smartpoint
Galileo Smartpoint is the company’s primary travel agent desktop application, designed to simplify the booking process for travel agents. The platform provides a user-friendly interface that integrates all the travel-related services a travel agent needs in one place. The platform is a one-stop-shop for booking airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. Smartpoint has enabled travel agents to work more efficiently and serve customers better, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.
Galileo Global Distribution System owned by TravelPort, which provides travel solution services mainly for the travel agencies with Galileo Smartpoint the ultimate travel technology has connected digital age. It puts the world’s travel content at your fingertips and packed with features that power better performance and enable you to create the perfect personalized service for your customers.
Travelport announced that it has become the first GDS to be granted with both ‘Aggregator Level One’ certification and ‘IT Provider Level Two’ status by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as part of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) program.
For airlines, this means that Travelport is able to fully integrate with its NDC application programme interface should the airline choose to use NDC-XML messaging to distribute and deliver their fares and product.
Travelport+: The Future of Travel Distribution
Travelport+ is a next-generation travel retail platform that provides end-to-end travel distribution solutions. It is a comprehensive platform that enables travel agents, airlines, and other travel industry players to connect and transact seamlessly. The platform offers several benefits, including personalized travel experiences, improved customer satisfaction, and increased revenue opportunities.
Travelport+: A Brief Overview
Travelport+ is a travel retail platform that provides a unified travel experience for travel agents, airlines, and travelers. The platform offers a wide range of products and services, including flight, hotel, and car rental bookings. It also provides ancillary services, such as travel insurance, ground transportation, and destination activities.
Travelport+ is built on an open platform that allows travel industry players to connect and transact seamlessly. It enables travel agents to access and book travel content from multiple sources, including traditional GDSs, low-cost carriers, and non-air travel providers. This enables travel agents to offer their customers a wider range of travel options and personalized travel experiences.
Benefits of Travelport+
Travelport+ offers several benefits to travel industry players. Firstly, the platform enables travel agents to provide personalized travel experiences to their customers. The platform’s AI-powered technology provides insights and recommendations based on customers’ preferences and behavior, enabling travel agents to tailor their offerings to individual customers’ needs.
Secondly, the platform improves customer satisfaction by offering a seamless travel experience. Travelers can access all their travel information, including flight, hotel, and car rental bookings, in one place. This enables them to manage their travel plans easily and reduces the likelihood of travel disruptions.
Thirdly, Travelport+ provides travel industry players with increased revenue opportunities. The platform offers a wide range of ancillary services, such as travel insurance, ground transportation, and destination activities. This enables travel agents to earn additional revenue streams and increase their profitability.
For travel agencies and travel management companies, this means that when shopping for and booking flights via TravelPort’s Travel Commerce Platform, they will have even more enhanced travel content and greater access to ancillary offers. In particular, TravelPort-connected agents will be able to make ancillary sales post the original flight booking and issue Electronic Miscellaneous Documents accordingly , and through their preferred agency workflows, for the first time.
EG SKY Galileo Training Courses
The Galileo Global Distribution System (GDS) is an essential tool for travel agents worldwide. It has been around for more than five decades and has revolutionized the travel industry. However, to fully utilize the Galileo GDS, travel agents require training to enhance their skills and knowledge. EG SKY offers Galileo training courses that aim to equip travel agents with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the Galileo GDS effectively.
Enhancing Galileo Skills and Knowledge in the Travel Industry
EG SKY is a travel technology company that offers training courses on the Galileo GDS. The company has been providing training for over 15 years and has trained thousands of travel agents worldwide. EG SKY’s Galileo training courses are designed to cater to the needs of travel agents of all levels, from beginners to advanced users. The courses are available in different formats, including online, on-site, and classroom training.
EG SKY’s Galileo training courses cover various topics, including flight reservations, hotel bookings, car rentals, ticketing, and fare constructions. The courses are delivered by experienced trainers who are knowledgeable in the travel industry and the Galileo GDS. The trainers use interactive and practical training methods to ensure that trainees can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in real-world situations.
Benefits of EG SKY Galileo Training Courses
EG SKY Galileo training courses offer several benefits to travel agents. Firstly, the courses equip travel agents with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the Galileo GDS effectively. This enables travel agents to offer better customer service, leading to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Secondly, the courses improve travel agents’ productivity and efficiency. By learning how to use the Galileo GDS effectively, travel agents can complete tasks quickly and accurately, reducing errors and saving time.
Thirdly, EG SKY Galileo training courses are flexible, allowing travel agents to choose the course format that suits them best. Online courses are available, enabling travel agents to study at their own pace and convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Galileo Global Distribution System has been a significant player in the travel industry for more than five decades. With its extensive reach and partnerships with multiple airlines, it has maintained a significant market share. The company has continued to innovate by implementing NDC technology and developing the Smartpoint platform, enhancing the booking process for travel agents and customers alike. EG SKY Galileo training courses are an essential tool for travel agents looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the travel industry. The courses cover various topics and are delivered by experienced trainers who use interactive and practical training methods. The courses offer several benefits, including improving customer service, productivity, and efficiency.
Travelport+ is the future of travel distribution. The platform provides end-to-end travel distribution solutions, enabling travel industry players to connect and transact seamlessly. The platform offers several benefits, including personalized travel experiences, improved customer satisfaction, and increased revenue opportunities. By investing in Travelport+, travel industry players can future-proof their businesses and stay ahead of the competition.