The Access Group, a business management software provider, has added global hotel and casino technology specialist SHR to its AI-powered, end-to-end platform for hotels.
“We’ve always worked to provide world-class products and unrivaled technological capabilities, and SHR embodies that ambition,” said Champa Magesh, managing director, Access Hospitality. “SHR is undoubtedly the world’s leading automated hotel technology platform and a significant addition to our hospitality offering. In this competitive and increasingly complex industry, leveraging AI’s immense potential will give hoteliers a competitive edge—enabling them to revolutionize guest experiences, drive operational efficiencies and increase revenue.”
Access will pair SHR’s capabilities with those of Guestline, a property management software (PMS) with customers across DACH and Europe, which it acquired last year. SHR’s 2,000 hotel customers will join Guestline’s 3,000 properties, with all clients of the enlarged Access Hospitality division benefiting from improved ability to boost efficiency and profitability, with a complete digital guest journey, the company reports.
The acquisition of SHR—based in Houston—will enable Access to make further inroads into the U.S. market and service larger hotel groups, which often have more complex distribution needs than smaller boutique and independent operators.
SHR comprises a central reservation system (CRS), internet booking engine (IBE), customer relationship manager (CRM) and revenue management system (RMS), as well as digital marketing and loyalty program tools. Its use of AI means the content guests see on direct booking sites is tailored to them, increasing relevance for customers and helping hoteliers maximize revenues through conversion, upselling and cross-selling, according to the company.
“This deal has taken us a step closer to achieving our goal of being the global go-to technology partner for hotels, helping them deliver exceptional guest experiences and increase their profitability,” said Jonah Paransky, president, Americas, Access Group. “SHR’s pioneering use of technology and laser focus on customer experience make it a natural fit for Access. This acquisition is a key milestone in our drive to grow our market share in the U.S. and tap into the massive growth opportunity the market presents.”
Rod Jimenez, CEO, SHR, added, “Access is already a leader in providing software and services to U.K. and European hotels. Its focus is on offering solutions that support customers in handling their entire operations, enabling hoteliers to deliver excellent guest experiences cost-effectively, profitably and sustainably.”
He continued, “This strategic move for SHR brings a wealth of benefits to our customers. They’ll gain access to a complete suite of products and services, including hospitality-specific HR, payroll, learning management and staff scheduling software. They’ll be able to draw on the expertise of Access’ extensive network of partners and find opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow with a larger community of customers.”