Hilton has partnered with Amadeus to implement their API within the tech company’s distribution system, the company announced on Thursday (1 December).
The Amadeus GDS is the first to directly integrate with the hotel group’s API and is expected to “improve the overall customer experience and booking process” via the integration of credit card information, cancellation policies and meal plan details.
The companies said previous connectivity through multiple APIs meant that changes to content could not be “as easily accommodated” and that the new partnership will allow the hotel group, which comprises 7,000 properties in 122 countries and territories, to “scale up more effectively” and roll out new features at a faster pace.
“This is a major milestone for both our industry and Hilton, as the new API looks to overcome the historical challenges of limited reach and connectivity,” said Katja Bohnet, VP hospitality distribution, hospitality at Amadeus.
“We are adopting a ‘one API, any channel’ approach to hotel distribution through the GDS, to ensure that the quality of content available for distributors is the most reliable and advanced it has ever been,” she added.
Also commenting on the partnership, Oral Muir, vice president, partnership development and global distribution at Hilton, said the new integration is an “important stride” in the company’s effort to “create a more frictionless travel experience”.