Sabre XML Hotel Booking Platform in Beta

Carlson Hotels became Sabre Hospitality Solutions’ beta customer for its Direct Connect XML (DCX) booking platform.

The goal of DCX is to enable Carlson to increase the content, product and promotions it offers to Sabre’s 55,000 agency locations around the world, and XML allows the flow of richer content between the hotel company and the Sabre GDS.

Christine Brosnahan, vice president of distribution and reservation services for Carlson Hotels, said DCX will enable the company to communicate more effectively and efficiently with the travel agency community and increase its travel agency bookings through stronger relationships.

DCX also will support Carlson’s patented Look To Book Travel Agency loyalty program.

Sabre Hospitality’s DCX platform is based on the OpenTravel Alliance’s technology standards.

Sabre said the use of OpenTravel’s standards for direct-connect technology facilitates the standardization of communication within the travel industry, leading to a more seamless shopping experience and a more efficient way for all players in the industry to do business.