About GDS
A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a real-time booking network that connects your hotel directly to travel agents and corporate booking channels around the world. By synchronising your inventory and pricing through a single integration, GDS increases your global visibility, simplifies bookings and helps attract high-value business travellers, expanding your reach beyond typical online channels.
Whether or not a GDS connection is beneficial for your property depends on its location, capacity and ability to support year-round demand.
GDS success checklist
✅ Location
Is your property in a city centre, near an airport, or close to convention and business hubs? Approximately 80% of GDS bookings are for corporate travellers, who prioritise convenience and accessibility.
✅ Hotel size & type
Does your property have more than 20 rooms, operate year-round and hold at least a 3-star rating? Very small or seasonal hotels are unlikely to be able to handle the volume required to make GDS listing cost-effective.
✅ Business traveller facilities
For optimal GDS performance and to appeal to business travellers, your property should offer facilities and services (either onsite or nearby) that support work, meetings and convenience for business-focused amenities include:
High-speed WiFi: reliable and fast internet throughout the property.
In-room workspaces: desks, ergonomic chairs, good lighting.
Dining: restaurants, bars, room service, convenient dining for busy travellers.
Fitness facilities: for wellness and stress relief during trips.
Transport: proximity to airports, train stations, car hire and taxis.
Parking and transportation services: easy access for corporate guests.
Express check-in/check-out: saves time for business travellers.
Conference rooms or event spaces: for meetings and events onsite.
24-hour front desk and concierge: support for any business needs at all hours.
Business and meeting facilities: computers, printers, AV-equipped rooms and flexible seating for professional gatherings.
✅ English
Can your team manage all content, reservations and communication in English? GDS systems operate exclusively in English, so all property information, bookings and communications will be handled in English by GDS users (travel agents and airline/corporate bookers). Additionally, SiteMinder GDS onboarding, support, account management and consortia consultancy will only be provided in English.
Learn more about GDS and whether it is right for your property here.
Why SiteMinder GDS?
Choosing SiteMinder GDS as your GDS provider will connect your property with all leading GDSs – Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport (Galileo/ Apollo/ Worldspan) and DHISCO – through a single interface, forgoing the costs and complexities of individually signing up with each.
SiteMinder GDS integrates seamlessly with your SiteMinder channel manager and PMS (if integrated), keeping your availability, rates, and inventory updated in real time. This reduces the risk of overbookings, saves time and helps you manage revenue more effectively.
With SiteMinder GDS, you’ll receive end-to-end expert support designed to set you up for success on the GDS:
Your GDS Onboarding consultant will handle the entire GDS setup and will provide the training resources you need to confidently manage your GDS connection once it’s live.
After onboarding, you’ll have access to a dedicated GDS Support Team focused exclusively on GDS assistance.
Benefit from the expertise of your dedicated GDS Optimisation Manager, who can offer guidance on enhancing your listing and identifying new opportunities for your property on the GDS.
Enjoy the advantages of a GDS Consultant in Strategic Operations who can assist with any queries related to Lanyon or consortia programs.
Sign up for SiteMinder GDS
Want to sign up for SiteMinder GDS or learn more about it? Register your interest and a member of our sales team will reach out to explore the best options for your property.
Onboarding timeline: The GDS onboarding process takes an average of 4-6 weeks, once all requirements are met.
Requirements before onboarding:
✅ Connection: Are you already using SiteMinder, or currently in the process of onboarding? An active channel manager is required first, as the SiteMinder GDS channel doesn’t function standalone.
✅ Contract: Please discuss SiteMinder GDS contract terms with your sales representative. GDS onboarding cannot begin without a signed contract.
✅ Setup Form: Complete the SiteMinder GDS setup form provided by your sales representative. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. Delays in submitting a fully completed form will impact your onboarding timeline.
Assistance with the SiteMinder GDS setup form
Why this form matters
The setup form gathers all information needed to showcase your property to thousands of travel agents worldwide. Completing every field accurately maximises your property's visibility and booking potential on the GDS.
Colour coding
The form contains color-coded fields, designed to guide you with completion.
🟢 Green fields indicate mandatory technical requirements. GDS onboarding cannot begin until all green fields are fully completed.
🟠 Orange fields are strongly recommended. Completing these fields helps to optimise your GDS setup and maximise potential reservations.
All sections on the form include examples or informational notes to guide you with input. For content guidance, consult the GDS Optimisation Guide and GDS Handbook.
Form completion requirements
Please complete all six tabs of the form in English only.
⚠️ Handwritten, faxed or scanned forms are not accepted. Return the fully completed digital form to your SiteMinder sales representative.
GDS onboarding
Here’s what to expect from your GDS onboarding journey:
How to manage your GDS content (HOD)
When you access your SiteMinder GDS extranet, it will already be fully configured with all of the information supplied on your GDS Setup Form.
To update your GDS content:
Option 1: Log a change request by emailing your regional SiteMinder GDS team. (recommended)
Option 2: Follow the training video tutorials included in your GDS activation confirmation email to make HOD changes yourself.
⚠️ Important:
Always notify your regional GDS Support team if you change content in any of the following extranet areas:
PROPERTY (e.g. changing property name, address)
ROOMS (e.g. adding a new room type, changing existing descriptions)
RATES (e.g. adding a new rate plan, changing existing descriptions)
You can make these updates yourself in the SiteMinder GDS extranet. However, the GDS Support team must then perform additional admin-level steps to ensure the updates appear correctly on the GDSs.
Post-activation GDS help resources
GDS help centre
Find all SiteMinder GDS help articles in the GDS help centre here.
This collection includes everything you need to maximise your GDS connection including guides on managing GDS reservations, mapping rates correctly, troubleshooting common issues and errors, and understanding GDS reporting and performance. Use these resources whether you need to fix a problem or optimise your GDS connection.
GDS technical support
For assistance with GDS content changes or to troubleshoot any technical issues specific to your GDS connection (e.g. GDS extranet login issues, rates not visible on the GDS, missing travel agency contact details, etc.), please log a support case with your dedicated SiteMinder GDS Support Team.
How to contact your GDS Support team:
Log a support case by emailing your regional team:
APAC - gds.apac@siteminder.com
AMERS - gds.amers@siteminder.com
EMEA - gds.emea@siteminder.com
For any GDS queries or issues relating to your SiteMinder Platform (e.g. incorrect pricing or inventory updates, overbookings, reservation delivery failure to PMS, etc.) please contact our SiteMinder Support Team.
GDS optimisation/ account management
For advice regarding your GDS performance or suggestions on how to optimise your GDS connection, contact your regional GDS Optimisation Manager:
APAC - Krissel Minodin (krissel.minodin@siteminder.com)
AMERS - Henry León (henry.leon@siteminder.com)
EMEA - Alan Plou (alan.plou@siteminder.com)
Lanyon and consortia support
For Lanyon-related queries (e.g. support with the annual RFP season and deadlines, guidance on submitting rates correctly in Lanyon, troubleshooting rejected or missing submissions) or questions about consortia programs participation, please contact your GDS Consultant in Strategic Operations:
Lara Weiss (consortiasupport@siteminder.com)
Disconnect SiteMinder GDS
To disconnect SiteMinder GDS, please contact your GDS Account Manager:
APAC - Krissel Minodin (krissel.minodin@siteminder.com)
AMERS - Henry León (henry.leon@siteminder.com)
EMEA - Alan Plou (alan.plou@siteminder.com)
⚠️ Terminations are subject to the terms of your GDS contract. Early termination may incur fees. Your GDS Account Manager will be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions.