Track Best Western Hotels & Resorts in one feed. This hub aggregates the latest news, brand updates and openings across Best Western’s global membership network, as covered by trusted sources. Follow one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.
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BWH Hotels Targets 5,000 Hotels by 2030 with Upscale Shift, Despite 9.7% Room Count Decline Since 2019
29 June 2026📈 BWH Hotels, led by CEO Larry Cuculic, is aiming for 5,000 hotels worldwide by 2030, despite a 9.7% room count decline since 2019, with 333,457 rooms currently. Last year, they added over 200 hotels, totaling 4,300. A pipeline of about 300 properties supports their upmarket shift, highlighted by acquiring WorldHotels in 2019 to enhance their upscale offerings and boost margins. The strategy is expected to leverage a “halo effect” across the group.
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Sojern Research: World Cup Drives New Travel Patterns as Summer Demand Shifts
29 June 2026This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article INDIA—RateGain Travel Technologies Limited announced the latest summer travel insights from its subsidiary, Sojern. With the
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Nearly 80% of Brits are ditching overseas holidays for UK staycations this summer
29 June 2026Nearly 80 per cent of Brits (79.7 per cent) are swapping overseas holidays for UK staycations this year, new research from BWH Hotels GB has found. The study of more than 2,400 BW Rewards customers found that almost a third (32 per cent) have ruled out travelling abroad altogether. Concerns over flight cancellations and disruption emerged as the biggest factor by 30 per cent of respondents. Geopolitical instability was also a significant concern for 22 per cent of travellers. While…
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Summer 2026 Travel Insights: US Flight Bookings Up 13%, Hotel Searches Down 16%, Europe Sees Increased Demand
29 June 2026🗺 US flight bookings increased by 13% year-on-year, while hotel searches decreased by 16%. European domestic flight bookings rose by 35%, intra-European by 37%, and international inbound by 11%. Top summer destinations for US travelers include Mexico (8.7%) and Canada (7.5%). London leads in European travel, accounting for 13.7% of US bookings. Middle East hotel search activity is below 2025 levels, with Western Europe down 49 points and South Asia down 61 points year-to-date.
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Iconic Food & Beverage and Wellness propositions: At Schloss Elmau and Yona, the Experience Takes Centre Stage
28 June 2026This article was written by HospitalityOn. Click here to read the original article At Bavaria’s Schloss Elmau, F&B Reaches New “Summits” Schloss Elmau owes much of its international reputation to
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Vine Hotels Acquires The Gables Hotel Near Bristol in Joint Venture with Castlewood Hotels
25 June 2026🏨 Vine Hotels, in partnership with Castlewood Hotels, acquired The Gables Hotel in South Gloucestershire from Webb Hotel Group for an undisclosed sum. The 46-bedroom hotel, located off the A38 near Bristol, features 104 parking spaces, meeting rooms for up to 200 delegates, and an 80-seat restaurant. This acquisition, following the addition of Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth, highlights Vine Hotels’ expansion goals. Webb Hotel Group retains properties in the Midlands, including Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.
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Omer Acar Discusses Evolving Luxury Hospitality, Emotional Connections, and Modernizing Raffles and Fairmont Brands on Suite Success Podcast
25 June 2026🏨 Episode guest Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, discusses his career on “Suite Success” with host Katie Cline. Having held leadership roles at Four Seasons, Harrods, The Ritz Paris, and more, Acar reflects on living in Hawaii, California, Egypt, London, Paris, and New York. He emphasizes the evolution of luxury hospitality towards emotional connection, the importance of genuine service, and maintaining brand heritage. Acar joined Accor in 2023, adding Fairmont in 2024.
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New Venue Management Software Boosts Boulder Falls Inn’s Revenue by 43% from Underperforming Rooms in Eight Months
24 June 2026📈 Best Western Boulder Falls Inn in Lebanon, Oregon, revamped its operations with iVvy’s venue management software, boosting revenue by 43% in eight months for two underperforming rooms. The hotel, featuring 84 rooms and a conference center for 600 guests, streamlined processes, reducing seasonal menu updates from over a week to minutes. Staff work hours decreased from 60 to 45 weekly, enhancing efficiency and allowing real-time updates via iPads during events.
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AI Hospitality Alliance Releases Mission, Vision, and 12-Month Roadmap to Transform Industry via Artificial Intelligence
22 June 2026💻 In June 2026, the AI Hospitality Alliance released its official Declaration, outlining a 12-month roadmap to reshape the hospitality industry through AI innovation. The Declaration emphasizes the rapid pace of change driven by AI, involving technology providers, AI platforms, hotel companies, educators, governments, and innovators. This initiative aims to influence the industry’s operations for decades, highlighting the significance of current decisions in technology development and implementation.
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BWH Hotels’ Free Breakfast Campaign Boosts Revenues by £13.1 Million and Adds 39,000 New Loyalty Members
22 June 2026💸 British consumers are prioritizing value in hotel bookings, focusing on overall experience rather than just price. During last year’s ‘Year of the Free Breakfast’ campaign, BWH Hotels GB generated over £13.1 million in revenue, with 124,000 room nights and 220,000 free breakfasts. The initiative boosted bookings, loyalty, and customer acquisition, including 39,000 new Best Western Rewards members, especially in South West, North West, and South East England. This trend reveals evolving consumer expectations and strategic opportunities for independent hotels.
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Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith Return to Milan Fashion Week Men’s, Presenting S/S 2027 Collections
19 June 2026👕 Milan Fashion Week Men’s S/S 2027 features collections from Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren, attracting legendary designers Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren back to Italy. Thom Browne makes his Milan debut. Ralph Lauren’s eclectic show at Palazzo Ralph Lauren highlights Ivy League stylings. Umit Benan offers luxurious silk and linen garments, while Dunhill and Church’s present collections inspired by British identity and heritage. Caruso draws on Irving Penn’s photography. Dolce & Gabbana celebrates Sicilian style with beach-inspired…
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BWH Hotels Launches New Global Sales Division to Boost Upscale and Luxury Market Growth Amid $2 Trillion Travel Industry.
18 June 2026🏨 BWH Hotels launched a new Upscale & Luxury Worldwide Sales division, targeting the $2 trillion global business travel market. With nine regional sales leaders in the US, Canada, and Europe, they aim to increase corporate demand by simplifying corporate travel buyer engagement. Notable properties include Aiden Kansas City Downtown, Aiden Surawong Bangkok, and Caribe Royale Orlando. This strategic move enhances BWH Hotels’ position in the upscale market, capitalizing on the rise of “bleisure” travel.
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NYU IHIF 2026 Highlights: AI in Hospitality, Minor Hotels’ Expansion, and Revised Industry Forecasts Signal Growth
12 June 2026📓 NYU IHIF 2026 in New York City highlighted key hospitality trends, including AI adoption, international travel, and the World Cup’s impact. Minor Hotels announced projects in New York (Worsley Hotel, 2023), Miami (Anantara, 2030), and Turks and Caicos (2029). AHLA emphasized human trafficking prevention and women in leadership. Jan Freitag from STR revised the hospitality forecast with 2.8% RevPAR growth, noting supply constraints and strong luxury segment performance. The event underscored the industry’s adaptability and future opportunities.
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Aparium Hotel Group Expands with New Properties in Nashville, Louisville, and Omaha by 2027
10 June 2026🏨 In 2013, Detroit faced the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Mario Tricoci founded Aparium Hotel Group in 2012 and, by 2017, launched Detroit Foundation Hotel, converting a 1929 firehouse. Aparium manages nine hotels, with three more planned by 2027, including a 150-key hotel in Nashville. Tricoci’s ventures focus on adaptive reuse in emerging urban areas, with significant revenue from F&B. Aparium’s Populus in Denver, a carbon-positive hotel, opened in late 2024, receiving accolades.
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Registration Opens for The Hospitality Show 2026 in Miami Beach, Featuring Key Industry Leaders and Innovations
4 June 2026🏨 Miami Beach, November 2–4, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center: The Hospitality Show, organized by Questex and the AHLA, unites hotel industry leaders. Notable speakers include Chris Nassetta, Hilton CEO, and Duncan Wardle, former Disney executive. Key topics: AI technology, guest expectations, and strategic partnerships. New 2026 features: six solution-driven pavilions and focused networking lounges. Early registration discounts available until July 6, 2026. Sponsors include Best Western, Chobani, Oracle, and Unilever.
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DirectBooker Announces Supply Agreements with Best Western and Radisson, Boosting AI Connector Role in Hospitality
1 June 2026💻 Hospitality Net’s World Panel explores AI connectors, which are “digital bridges” linking AI platforms (like ChatGPT or Claude) to external apps, enabling access to hotel ARI data (Availability, Rates, Inventory). DirectBooker, founded by former Tripadvisor and Google Travel execs, announced deals with Best Western and Radisson. Google partners with OTAs and hotel chains. Independent hotels can use B2B AI connectors for AI integration. AI platforms seek monetization through partnerships, leveraging brand loyalty.
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AAPI Chefs Discuss Evolving Cuisine’s Impact on Hospitality at New York’s 53 During Heritage Month Event
22 May 2026🍝 AAPI Heritage Month in May saw a discussion at 53, New York, featuring chefs like Mark Yu and Vijay Kumar, exploring how AAPI voices are reshaping hospitality. The talk highlighted cultural confidence, evolving cuisines, and authenticity challenges. Yu noted the embrace of Korean food in NYC, while Camara and Kumar discussed authenticity risks. The panel offered advice for future chefs: perseverance, big-picture focus, relationship-building, ethics, and mentorship are key to thriving in the culinary world.
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Kyoto’s Historic Machiya Townhouses Transformed into Hotels, Shops, and Cafes in Innovative Renovations
17 May 2026🏠 Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji, a 100-year-old machiya, is now a 600-square-meter hotel by Studio Aluc in central Kyoto. Toune, by architect Keiji Ashizawa, is a contemporary holiday home in Kyoto. Le Labo’s flagship store by Schemata Architects in Kiyamachi blends Japanese and Western design. Issey Miyake’s Kyoto store, in a 132-year-old machiya, features a gallery by Naoto Fukasawa. Challe cafe by UNC Studio offers a bold Japanese-Mexican ambiance in Kamigyo Ward.
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UK Independent Hotels Adapt Pricing, Staffing, and Investment Strategies Amid Rising Operational Costs, Says BWH Hotels GB
14 May 2026🏨 Independent hotels in Great Britain are adapting operations amid rising costs. Wages and rates are key pressure points, with a typical 60-bedroom hotel facing £30,000-£40,000 in additional annual costs due to the minimum wage increase. Operators within BWH Hotels GB are focusing on long-term resilience, emphasizing flexible staffing, innovative pricing, and sustainable investments. Refurbishments are postponed to prioritize cash flow. Strategies include direct bookings and better revenue management, aiming to maintain quality while improving efficiency.
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Aimbridge Hospitality Leads US Hotel Management with 1,100 Properties Amid Rising Operational Demands in 2026.
12 May 2026🛌 In 2026, hotel owners are increasingly relying on management companies due to pressures like labor costs and rising guest expectations, as highlighted in AHLA’s report. Aimbridge Hospitality, the biggest player, manages around 1,100 hotels worldwide. Typical management fees are 3-5% of gross operating income. AI technology is reshaping operations, with major companies investing in AI for revenue management and labor scheduling, leading to improved profit margins. Hotel management agreements generally span 3-5 years.
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Marcus & Millichap Facilitates Sale of 49-Room Best Western Plus Red River Inn in Clarendon, Texas
12 May 2026🏨 In Clarendon, Texas, Marcus & Millichap announced the sale of the 49-room Best Western Plus Red River Inn to RP & Sons, Jay and Prince Patel. The property, originally constructed in 2004, spans 2.49 acres at 902 W. 2nd St. along U.S. Highway 287. Marketed by Gordon Allred and Chris Gomes, the hotel features amenities such as a business center, indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting space, providing easy access to the Amarillo metropolitan area.
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Eternam Launches Alcyon Hospitality Europe Fund Targeting Midscale and Upscale Assets in Western and Southern Europe
12 May 2026💰 In 2020, Alcyon Hospitality Europe launched its first FPCI, focusing on revaluation potential with 19 transactions across France, Spain, and Italy. By 2022, the second vintage, Alcyon 2, continued this strategy. Eternam manages €1.6 billion, including €600 million in hospitality with 120 hotels. Extendam, a direct competitor, has shifted to the upscale segment, with a notable 2025 exit in Madrid achieving a 19% IRR. Both target Western and Southern Europe, intensifying competition in the hospitality investment market.
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Perth Road Trips Offer Family-Friendly Stops with Playgrounds, Wildlife, and Short Drives in Western Australia
11 May 2026💨 Families exploring Western Australia by road can enjoy engaging spots near Perth, with stops every 1-2 hours. Fremantle offers markets and harbor views, while Caversham Wildlife Park and Penguin Island provide close animal encounters. Kings Park and Swan Valley feature playgrounds and cafes to unwind. Short drives enhance the journey’s flexibility, making it enjoyable rather than rushed. Campervan hire in Perth simplifies travel logistics, ensuring easy transitions between memorable stops.
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BWH Hotels Opens Aiden Sacramento Downtown, Featuring Local Art and Mid-Century Inspired Design
8 May 2026🏨 BWH Hotels announced the opening of Aiden Sacramento Downtown, located between Downtown and Midtown Sacramento, near the state capital. Managed by Ledgestone Hospitality, this hotel combines mid-century and modern design. Owner Suresh Patel of SJ Hospitality collaborates with Immortal Café to create a community-focused destination. The hotel features a custom mural by local artist John Osgood, part of the “Aiden’s Art Welcomes You In” initiative, celebrating Sacramento’s vibrant community and culture.
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Marriott International and Hilton Lead Luxury Hotel Groups with Thousands of Properties Across the Globe
2 May 2026📍 Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, operates nearly 8,000 properties across 138 countries. Hilton Hotels & Resorts boasts over 6,700 hotels globally and was named one of the World’s Best Workplaces in 2021. Jinjiang International in Shanghai owns several well-known properties and offers specialized training. Accor operates 5,200 properties in 110 countries. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in New Jersey, is the world’s largest hotel franchisor with 9,000 locations worldwide.
