What is the Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”) Fee per booking for Best Western?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Marketing and Technology Fees | 2.10% of PRR. See Note 1. | Billed one month in arrears, due and payable upon statement receipt. | See Note 1 for details on what components comprise the Marketing and Technology Fees. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Connect Commissions | Varies by direct connect. | Due and payable upon statement receipt. | Payable as a pass-through commission charge for direct connect delivered reservations through negotiated brand pricing for Expedia, Booking.com, etc. |
| Global Distribution | $7.90 per booking. | Due and payable | Payable for reservations booked |
| Systems (“GDS”) | monthly upon | through GDS and GDS internet | |
| Fee | statement receipt. | travel sites. |
Source: Item 6 — Other Fees (FDD pages 24–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay a Global Distribution Systems (GDS) fee. This fee is $7.90 per booking and is payable monthly upon receipt of the statement. This fee applies to reservations that are booked through GDS and GDS internet travel sites.
The Global Distribution System is a network that connects travel agencies and other distribution channels to hotel reservation systems. This allows travel agents to book rooms at Best Western properties directly through their systems. The GDS fee covers Best Western's costs for maintaining and operating this system, as well as the commissions paid to travel agents.
For a prospective Best Western franchisee, the GDS fee is a cost to consider when evaluating the potential profitability of the franchise. While the fee is relatively small on a per-booking basis, it can add up over time, especially for hotels that rely heavily on bookings through travel agents and online travel agencies. Franchisees should factor this fee into their pricing and revenue management strategies to ensure they are maximizing their profits.