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Travel software explained

A plain-language map of the software a travel business runs on — and which pieces you need first.

TDTripdocks team·Guide·1 min read·Updated
In shortTravel businesses use several kinds of software, and the names overlap. In short: a CRM sells the trip, a booking engine sells inventory online, a GDS andB2B portals supply the inventory, andback-office software handles the accounts.

The main types at a glance

TypeWhat it doesWho needs it
Travel CRMCaptures enquiries, builds quotes and itineraries, tracks clients from enquiry to bookingAnyone selling tailored trips or packages
Booking engineLets customers or agents search and book inventory onlineBusinesses selling online, instantly bookable products
GDSConnects sellers to airline, hotel, and car inventoryAgencies issuing tickets, online travel agencies
B2B portalWholesale hotels, transfers, and tours at net rates for agentsAgents and operators buying components
Tour operator / DMC systemContracts, inventory, departures, and operationsOperators running their own products
Back office / accountingInvoicing, supplier payments, reconciliation, taxEvery business, sooner or later

Travel CRM

A travel CRM is where selling happens. It pulls enquiries from WhatsApp, ads, and your website into one queue, lets the team build priced itineraries with a markup, and keeps the traveller's history in one place. Tripdocks is a travel CRM.

Booking engine

A booking engine is a search-and-book interface — on your website or for your agents — that confirms bookings instantly against live inventory. It suits standard products; tailored trips still need a person and a quote.

GDS and B2B portals

These are where inventory comes from. A GDS connects sellers to airline and hotel systems, mainly for ticketing. B2B portals and DMCs offer hotels, transfers, and tours at net rates, which you then price with your markup in your quote.

Back office and accounting

Back-office software handles invoices, supplier payments, and tax. It comes after the sale: the CRM wins the booking, the back office accounts for it.

Which do you need first?

  1. 1Selling tailored trips? Start with a travel CRM.
  2. 2Selling fixed products online? Add a booking engine.
  3. 3Issuing lots of air tickets? Look at GDS access or a consolidator.
  4. 4Growing finance workload? Add back-office accounting.

More definitions are in the glossary. To compare CRMs, see how to choose a travel CRM.

Frequently asked questions

A travel CRM manages the sales relationship — enquiries, quotes, follow-ups, and client history. A booking engine lets customers or agents search inventory and book it online. Many agencies use both: the CRM for selling tailored trips, the booking engine for instant online bookings.

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