Ryanair’s GDS move not quite enough to win over agents
Travel management companies are calling on Ryanair to do more to convince them about its commitment to business travellers.
Responding to news that Ryanair plans to distribute through GDSs, the Guild of Travel Management Companies said although it’s a positive move, Ryanair still has more work to do.
"Ryanair’s biggest job is convincing the GTMC’s members that it is more than losses that are forcing it to address the business travel sector," said chief executive Paul Wait.
"We need to see and feel that they want to be a strong partner to the community, are engaged in our needs and understand our concerns.
"Based on the announcements made to date, Ryanair is making headway in the right direction, but we will remain unconvinced until they commit to investing in the products and serviced required by both travel managers and the business travellers themselves."
The GTMC said it welcomed the "small movements" already taken by Ryanair within a short time period, such as new flexible tickets, reserved seating and fast track options.
But Wait added: "There are further key challenges to address such as the destination mix – this needs to improve in order for Ryanair to be a real contender in the business travel market.
"Adding to the reputation challenges that Ryanair already has, the airline does suffer from dismissing the business travel market even when their competitors were beginning to take it seriously and reporting strong revenue returns.
"TMCs reward those airlines that best serve their needs with great loyalty."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season