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ResBook, New Zealand’s first online booking engine for accommodation providers, has been acquired by ResPax, a leading Australian-based tour management software company.
Effective from November 1, 2024, this milestone marks a significant chapter in ResBook’s history, as it aligns with ResPax to bring a new wave of innovation and resources to the industry.
ResPax’s acquisition includes ResBook’s Property Management System, Tourism-Themed Website solutions, its dynamic Booking Engine and membership platform Audience.
A landmark opportunity for tourism technology
Established in 2003, ResBook has grown into New Zealand’s premier accommodation property management system. In recent years, additional tourism digital products have been added to the suite of products including budget friendly tourism websites, a booking engine and membership platform.
ResPax, a leader in tourism tech for the experiences sector, has been delivering their tour reservation system since 1999, serving a wide range of tour, activity, and charter-based tourism operators.
This acquisition by ResPax introduces incredible potential to enhance ResBook’s suite of platforms. ResBook will now have increased resources to accelerate its development, bringing exciting opportunities for clients across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and across the entire Asia Pacific region.
Innovation at the intersection of tours and accommodation
This marks a first in the Asia Pacific tourism industry – where a single software development company provides tour and accommodation reservation systems. This synergy promises exciting developments ahead, particularly for tourism providers who offer both accommodation and activity options within a single business. For example, a resort with accommodation that also offers optional activities can now have one reservation provider, making a simpler experience for staff and guests.
For ResBook and ResPax customers, it’s business as usual – but better
The acquisition marks the culmination of a collaborative three-year partnership between the companies resulting in a single business supporting both client bases and needs.
For ResBook’s valued clients, there will be no disruption to service. The current award-winning Auckland-based “Kiwi Team” remains fully intact and committed to delivering the same high level of customer support, while being backed by the wider ResPax team.
“We are thrilled about this next step in ResBook’s journey,” says ResBook founder and Tomakawk marketing director Gina Paladini.
“The combination of ResBook’s accommodation and tourism website software with ResPax’s tour management expertise opens up unparalleled opportunities for tourism operators, agents and the whole industry.”
ResBook owners John Hayson and Gina Paladini expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition.
“We are excited to see ResBook and our entire SaaS product suite grow under ResPax’s leadership and to witness the transformation this will bring to the industry.”
“After years of working together, we’re thrilled to unite these two powerful platforms under one roof,” says CEO of ResPax Tony Bridgewater.
“With ResPax and ResBook, operators can now leverage the expertise of two industry leaders, seamlessly serving both the tours and activities and accommodation markets. We are grateful to both John and Gina to be inheriting such a superb team and product.”
