PHOENIX—Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) revealed a major step forward in its broad distribution strategy with the acquisition of AutoClerk Inc. AutoClerk is a hotel property management system (PMS) company that has been in business since 1986. This acquisition marks a major milestone in BWHR’s efforts to simplify distribution for its hotels by making technology management, revenue management, customer relationship management, reporting and connectivity simpler and easier.
“This acquisition will enable BWHR to enhance its competencies in an increasingly complex distribution landscape to drive benefits to its hotels with faster and more reliable connectivity,” said President/CEO David Kong. “It will also allow us to implement technology solutions to help our hotels become more effective in servicing guests, simplify management of rates and inventory and improve management reporting.”
BWHR has been on a journey of transformation over the past several years. Recently, it was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, expanded its portfolio to 16 brands reaching new guests in every chain-scale segment including luxury, and won a number of industry awards and accolades. A key focus for the company’s continued success is ensuring it has a robust, resilient, secure and scalable distribution platform.
A critical component of the platform is the PMS. This partnership with AutoClerk will enable BWHR to drive unique benefits to its hotels, according to the company.
Current and new AutoClerk customers not associated with BWHR will also benefit from BWHR’s planned investments in the system’s infrastructure and development resources to improve system performance. In addition, BWHR has plans to provide connectivity solutions and integration capabilities to AutoClerk’s customers regardless of their brand affiliation.
Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Interim President/CEO Rachel Humphrey stated, “The products and solutions offered by AutoClerk, a preferred PMS technology that AAHOA members can access for an affordable price, will only grow stronger with BWHR’s backing. We are pleased to continue our partnership with a company that has a proven track record and technical expertise that AAHOA members can trust.”
