What is Amadeus in the context of global travel?

Amadeus is recognized as one of the four major global distribution systems (GDS) in the context of global travel. GDSs are essential platforms that facilitate transactions between travel service providers, such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, and travel agents or online booking platforms. By providing a centralized system for bookings, Amadeus enables travel professionals to access a vast array of travel products, allowing them to offer a wide range of options to their clients.

This GDS not only provides the necessary inventory for bookings but also includes additional functionalities like fare comparison, ticketing, and itinerary management, making it a vital tool in the travel industry. Amadeus's role as a GDS differentiates it from other travel-related entities, such as airlines or apps, which serve different purposes within the travel ecosystem.