Technological Systems in the Travel and Tourism Industry

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, core systems (GDS, CRS, RMS, POS, PMS, PSS), and technological applications across the travel, tourism, hotel, and airline sectors from Chapter 4.

Travel Industry

A broad sector encompassing businesses and services that support travelers before, during, and after trips, including transportation, accommodation, travel agencies, tour operators, and travel technology.

Technological System (Travel & Tourism)

A system of hardware, software, and other technologies used to manage operations, streamline business processes, optimize efficiency, and improve customer experiences.

Global Distribution System (GDS)

A computerized network that facilitates transactions between travel service providers and travel agencies by supplying real-time inventory, pricing, and booking capabilities worldwide.

Amadeus GDS

A major Global Distribution System that provides real-time access to airline, hotel, car rental, and other travel supplier inventory.

Sabre GDS

A major Global Distribution System that connects travel buyers with airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and other suppliers.

Travelport GDS

A major Global Distribution System company that operates distribution platforms including Apollo, Galileo, and Worldspan.

ITA Software / Google Flights

A travel technology platform that provides specialized airfare search and pricing technology.

Central Reservation System (CRS)

Software used in hospitality and travel to manage and distribute a provider's inventory, room rates, and reservations across multiple channels such as websites, travel agencies, GDS, and OTAs.

GDS vs. CRS (Distinction)

A GDS focuses on broad, global distribution connecting suppliers with agents worldwide, whereas a CRS focuses internally on managing a specific provider's inventory, pricing, and reservations.

Revenue Management System (RMS)

Software that applies data analytics and algorithms to forecast customer demand, dynamically adjust pricing, and allocate inventory to maximize revenue.

Dynamic Pricing

A key pricing feature of an RMS that adjusts prices in real time based on fluctuating demand, market conditions, and competitor pricing.

Point of Sale (POS) System

Technology used to manage retail and hospitality transactions, inventory replenishment, sales reporting, and customer interactions at the point where a sale occurs.

Property Management System (PMS)

A comprehensive hotel software application that manages day-to-day operations, including front desk check-in/check-out, room assignments, reservations, billing, and housekeeping.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in Hospitality

A technological system used by hotels to manage guest profiles, track stay histories and preferences, administer loyalty programs, and automate targeted marketing.

Online Booking Engine (OBE)

Software that enables customers to view real-time room availability, process secure online payments, and instantly reserve accommodations directly on hotel websites or third-party platforms.

Passenger Service System (PSS)

An enterprise suite of airline applications that manages core flight operations including reservations, electronic ticketing, passenger check-in, and boarding management.

Flight Operations Systems

Specialized airline systems that manage operational functions such as flight timetable scheduling, crew rostering and certifications, and aircraft maintenance tracking.

Airport Check-In Systems

Technologies, such as self-service kiosks and automated bag drops, that connect with an airline's PSS to speed up passenger check-in, baggage drop, and boarding pass issuance.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) Systems

Airline hardware and software systems providing in-cabin passenger entertainment, interactive media controls, movies, music, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity.