A Computer Reservation System (CRS) in the context of travel and tourism refers to a computerized system used to store and retrieve information and conduct transactions related to various travel arrangements.
What does a CRS do?
According to the reference, a CRS facilitates:
- Information Storage: It stores details about flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related activities.
- Information Retrieval: It allows users (travel agents, online booking platforms, etc.) to access this stored information quickly and efficiently.
- Transaction Processing: It enables the booking and reservation of travel services.
Example of Usage
Imagine a travel agent booking a flight for a customer. The agent uses a CRS to:
- Check flight availability for the desired dates and destination.
- View flight schedules and pricing.
- Make a reservation for the customer.
- Issue a ticket.
Key Components of a CRS
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Inventory Management | Allows airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to manage their inventory (seats, rooms, cars) in real-time. |
| Pricing Information | Displays fares, rates, and special offers. |
| Booking Engine | Facilitates the actual booking process, including payment processing and confirmation. |
| User Interface | Provides a platform for travel agents and other users to access and interact with the system. This can range from traditional command-line interfaces to modern web-based platforms. |
| Distribution Channels | Connects service providers with various distribution channels, such as travel agencies and online travel portals, allowing broader market reach. |
