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GDSs "will never have pan-European leisure system"

Friday, 4 February 20053 min read

Travel Technology Show London 2005: GDSs have admitted they will never develop a Pan-European leisure system because each market is so wildly different.

All four major players – Galileo, Sabre, Amadeus and Worldspan – agreed a Europe-wide platform would not be developed because of its complex nature.

They agreed that few European markets were the same and would require their own systems.

Speaking at a debate on the future of GDS systems, Sabre vice president David Brown said: “There is no such thing as Pan European and there never will be. Leisure is done differently across Europe.”

Amadeus commercial director Jerome Destors added: “It’s a dream to think we’ll have a single pan-European platform.”

Galileo regional director for UK and Ireland Alison Bell and Worldspan vice present and general manager for EMEAA Graham Nichols also insisted building a system would prove too cumbersome and complex.

“It just won’t happen,” said Mr Nichols.