FORT LAUDERDALE According to a new survey released by HEDNA at its 2001 annual conference here, net hotel reservations through GDS systems grew a total of 11% in 2000 vs. 1999.
A breakdown via geographical regions showed that net hotel reservations through GDS systems in 2000 grew 11% for North America, 9% for Europe/Middle East/Africa, 22% for Asia Pacific and 40% for Latin America.
The study also showed that the total number of hotel reservations made through (member) GDS systems in 2000 were 48,265. Of that total, 40,503 reservations were made in North America, 6,175 were made in Europe/Middle East/Africa, 1,120 were made in Asia Pacific and 442 were made in Latin America.
HEDNA conducted this survey among its members using an on-line methodology. GDS members were contacted via e-mail and were requested to complete and fax a printed questionnaire.
Also mentioned were the top destination cities requested through GDS systems. New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
HEDNA is comprised of nearly 200 companies in the hotel industry. They include hotels, resorts, chains, software providers, travel agencies tour operators, and educational institutions. The group s mission is to increase hotel industry revenues and profitability from electronic distribution channels. (5/15/01) Shannon McMullen