In late 2009, HBSi partnered with industry consultants to interview key business and information technology decision-makers within the hotel industry to:

• Better understand their current perceptions regarding electronic connectivity to the ever-changing distribution landscape;
• Validate requirements for next generation Global Distribution integration;
• Validate requirements for supporting the multitude of the newer sales outlets including Online Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Wholesalers, Metasearch and Social Commerce models, and;
• Get a glimpse into their desired state thinking as it relates to engaging solutions that provide measurable business benefits to their financial bottom lines.

The results of the interviews are found in a pair of White Papers developed by HBSi for the Hotel Industry titled ‘Challenges in Hotel CRS Connectivity to Electronic Distribution: Identifying New Options for Global Distribution & Identifying New Options for Alternative Distribution’. The following is an excerpt:

“Hotel companies across the globe wrestle with the challenge of successfully implementing and cost effectively maintaining connections to the broad spectrum of electronic sales outlets, including online travel agencies, global distribution systems, wholesalers, tour operators and niche or regional travel sites.

Developing and maintaining direct connections between a hotel company’s central reservation system and these key sales partners is appealing but expensive and labor intensive. Alternatively, using the established intermediaries brings convenience but at the tradeoff of reliability shortfalls, support challenges, and/or associated transaction fees.

These White Papers, written following interviews with over two dozen hotel executives to discuss their connectivity frustrations and aspirations, distills the hotel industry’s functionality requirements, imperfect options, and unanswered requirements related to electronic booking connectivity. Then it introduces a new approach to gaining connectivity and offers an ROI calculator to aid the reader in determining and articulating potential advantages to their organization.”

If you would like to request access to the White Papers, please contact us at +1 678-391-6086 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it