The modern travel business relies on connections. Flights from one source, hotels from another, activities from a third, and transfers from a fourth. Add in payment processors, communication tools, and accounting systems, and you have a complex web of technologies that need to work together.
Multi-supplier integration—connecting all these systems into a unified platform—is one of the biggest challenges (and opportunities) in travel technology.
The Integration Challenge
Why is travel integration so complicated? Several factors:
- Legacy systems: Much of travel technology was built decades ago with different standards
- Proprietary formats: Every supplier has their own data formats and protocols
- Complex products: Travel products have intricate pricing, availability, and rules
- Real-time requirements: Availability changes constantly; stale data causes problems
- Transaction volumes: Popular suppliers handle millions of queries daily
Types of Travel Integrations
1. Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
GDS platforms—Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport—are the backbone of traditional travel distribution. They provide access to:
- Airline content and bookings
- Hotel inventory
- Car rentals
- Rail bookings
GDS integration requires certification, significant technical expertise, and ongoing maintenance as formats evolve.
2. Direct Supplier APIs
Many suppliers offer direct API connections, bypassing the GDS:
- Airline NDC (New Distribution Capability) connections
- Hotel direct connects
- Low-cost carrier APIs
- Activity and experience provider APIs
Direct connections often provide better rates, richer content, and access to inventory not available through GDS.
3. Aggregator Platforms
Aggregators connect to multiple suppliers and present a unified interface:
- Bed banks (hotel aggregators)
- Flight metasearch platforms
- Activity aggregators
These simplify integration but add a layer (and often a cost) between you and the supplier.
4. Operational Integrations
Beyond booking content, travel businesses need operational integrations:
- Payment gateways
- Accounting systems
- Communication platforms (email, SMS, WhatsApp)
- Document management
- Analytics and reporting tools
Integration Approaches
Point-to-Point Integration
Building direct connections between each pair of systems. Simple for a few connections, but complexity explodes as systems multiply. With 10 systems, you potentially need 45 different integrations.
Hub-and-Spoke (Middleware)
A central integration hub that all systems connect to. Each system only needs one integration with the hub, and the hub handles translation between different formats and protocols.
API-First Platforms
Modern travel platforms are built API-first, with standardized interfaces that make integration simpler. They often come with pre-built connectors to common suppliers and systems.
Key Considerations for Multi-Supplier Integration
1. Data Normalization
Different suppliers describe the same things differently. A "Deluxe Room" at one hotel is a "Superior King" at another. Effective integration requires normalizing data into consistent formats.
2. Rate and Availability Caching
You can't query suppliers for every search—it's too slow and expensive. Smart caching strategies balance freshness with performance:
- Cache search results for short periods
- Re-validate before booking
- Handle cache misses gracefully
3. Error Handling
Supplier systems fail. Networks have issues. APIs return unexpected responses. Robust integration means:
- Graceful degradation when suppliers are unavailable
- Retry logic with exponential backoff
- Clear error messages for users
- Logging for troubleshooting
4. Transaction Management
A single booking might involve multiple suppliers. What happens if one succeeds and another fails? You need:
- Atomic transactions where possible
- Compensation logic for partial failures
- Clear status visibility
5. Content Mapping
Hotels, destinations, and airlines have different IDs across different systems. Content mapping tables maintain relationships between these identifiers.
Building vs. Buying Integration
"Building integrations in-house gives you control but requires significant investment and ongoing maintenance. Using a platform with pre-built integrations gets you to market faster but may limit flexibility."
When to Build
- Unique supplier relationships not available elsewhere
- Specific customization requirements
- High volume justifying the investment
- Technical team with integration expertise
When to Use Pre-Built
- Standard suppliers and use cases
- Need to move quickly
- Limited technical resources
- Want vendor to handle maintenance
The Future of Travel Integration
Open Standards
Industry efforts like NDC and ONE Order are moving toward standardized interfaces, which should simplify integration over time.
API Marketplaces
Emerging platforms aggregate travel APIs into marketplaces, making it easier to discover and connect to new suppliers.
AI-Assisted Integration
Machine learning helps with data mapping, error detection, and optimization of integration performance.
Wayon's Integration Approach
Wayon is designed as an integration-ready platform:
- Pre-built connectors: Common suppliers and systems ready to connect
- API-first architecture: Everything accessible via well-documented APIs
- Webhook support: Real-time notifications when events occur
- Data normalization: Consistent data formats regardless of source
- Integration support: Technical assistance for custom connections
Whether you need to connect a specific supplier, integrate with your accounting system, or build custom workflows, Wayon provides the foundation for a connected travel technology stack.