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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Our Town: How there’s more to Kohler, Wisc., than plumbing fixtures
9 August 2026This article was written by HotelsMag. Click here to read the original article There’s a strong chance that your home contains a Kohler-made product. Maybe a toilet, a faucet, a sink or a bathtub—maybe all. Kohler is an American success story with a rich and riveting history; an immigrant story about a man who plumbed the depths of manufacturing only to build a plumbing empire. It eventually would become even more. Midway through the 19th century, a nine-year-old John Michael Kohler emigrated with his family from Austria to the American…
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United Hospitality Management Expands in India with Three New Hotel Management Agreements Adding 182 Keys
6 August 2026🏠 United Hospitality Management (UHM) signed three new hotel agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts, adding 182 keys to its India portfolio. Scheduled to open between 2027-2029, the properties include Garner Corbett (50 keys), voco Kanatal (92 keys), and Garner Ahmedabad (40 keys). UHM seeks to manage 100 hotels in India, reflecting growth in domestic travel and investor confidence. UHM’s India expansion began with Rosastays acquisition in December 2025. The company manages 24 properties in India.
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Gravity Haus Achieves Higher Profitability Through Membership Model, Surpassing Lodging Margins Across 13 North American Locations
5 August 2026🏨 Jim Deters, founder and CEO of Gravity Haus, enhanced hotel profitability through a high-margin membership model across 13 properties in the US and Canada since 2019. Approximately 700 local members at the Vail location pay monthly, stabilizing revenue year-round. Technology integrates custom software with Mews for seamless operations. Focus on recruiting community members ensures authentic guest experiences, boosting reviews and visibility. Emphasizing local partnerships over copying models enhances unique guest offerings.
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Wildfires in Saumos Halt Gironde Tourism, Causing €2-5 Million Weekly Losses and Mass Evacuations
3 August 2026🔥 July 19-27, Gironde, France: The 54th Oyster Festival wrapped on July 19 in Andernos-les-Bains with high hotel occupancy (79%). By July 21, a fire at Saumos displaced 220,000 people, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Bordeaux’s hotel occupancy increased, but cancellations rose, leading to a loss of €2-5 million weekly. Government aid includes insurance reimbursements and flexibility from Urssaf. The fire’s containment timeline remains uncertain, impacting recovery.
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Wildfire in Saumos Halts Gironde Tourism: 220,000 Evacuated, 40,000 Hectares Burned, €2-5 Million Weekly Loss
3 August 2026🔥 On July 21, 2026, a fire broke out in Saumos, France, advancing 20 km and burning 40,000 hectares. It forced the evacuation of 220,000 people, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Bordeaux occupancy spiked, but cancellations soon surpassed bookings. The disruption costs 2 to 5 million euros weekly. 5000 people were sheltered in Bordeaux, while 683 were rehoused. Recovery depends on fire containment, with scenarios suggesting potential recovery within eight weeks. The government supports affected businesses, and insurers will…
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Wildfires in Gironde Trigger Hotel Cancellations, Causing Weekly Revenue Losses of 2-5 Million Euros
31 July 2026🔥 July 19-27, 2025, Andernos-les-Bains and Gironde, France: The Oyster Festival ended as wildfires began near Saumos, advancing 20 km in 4 days and burning 40,000 hectares. 220,000 evacuated, affecting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds. Occupancy rates fell as cancellations surpassed bookings, costing 2-5 million euros weekly. Bordeaux housed 5,000 evacuees; 700 found shelter at campuses. The government and insurers responded with financial aid and rehousing support. The tourism industry faces significant challenges in recovery.
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Wildfire Forces 220,000 Evacuations in Gironde, Leading to 2-5 Million Euros Weekly Revenue Loss
31 July 2026🔥 On July 19, the 54th Oyster Festival in Andernos-les-Bains concluded, followed by a fire on July 21 that spread over 40,000 hectares near Saumos. By July 25, 220,000 people evacuated, impacting 24 hotels and 33 campgrounds, causing weekly revenue losses of 2 to 5 million euros. Bordeaux housed 5,000 evacuees at its exhibition center. The fire disrupted tourism, with significant cancellations affecting local businesses like Catherine Parinaud’s properties. Government measures were announced on July 27 to support the affected…
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TikTok Introduces Mini Dramas for Brands, Projecting $1.3 Billion in US Microdrama Revenue by 2025
30 July 2026📹 TikTok just launched “Mini Dramas” in the US, allowing brands to create episodic content with revenue sharing. This burgeoning format, akin to China’s microdramas, is projected to generate $1.3 billion by 2025. Currently, 2.2M to 5M viewers are expected this year. P&G’s 55-episode series showcases the potential. Meanwhile, Kalshi leverages AI-generated anime to bypass costly stadium ads, collaborating with Jake Wang’s popular sports videos. This creative marketing shift highlights digital platforms’ dominance.
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BWH Hotels Opens Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Its 28th Property in Thailand, Expanding to 17 in Greater Bangkok
30 July 2026🏨 July 30, 2026, Bangkok, Thailand – BWH Hotels introduces Aiden Surawong Bangkok, its first Aiden brand hotel in Southeast Asia. Located on Surawong Road, the 77-room hotel blends art deco design with local culture. Guests enjoy amenities like the Gems Pool and Club Ruby restaurant. BWH now operates 17 properties in Greater Bangkok and 28 in Thailand. The company aims for 200 Asia-Pacific hotels within five years, enhancing local experiences for travelers.
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Boutique Hotels Thrive in Caribbean as Luxury Travelers Seek Personalized, Meaningful Experiences According to Virtuoso Report
29 July 2026🌴 Golden Rock Inn in Nevis offers 11 rooms on a 100-acre estate. East Winds in St. Lucia features 30 cottage-style rooms on 12 acres, offering all-inclusive packages with complimentary weddings. Mansión Xodó in Mérida, Yucatán, is a luxury hideaway with six suites in a 19th-century residence. The Virtuoso 2026 Luxe Report highlights a shift towards slower, personalized travel. Small Caribbean hotels provide unique experiences, targeting affluent travelers seeking cultural immersion and wellness.
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Italy’s Hotel Scene Expands with Noteworthy New Openings and Restorations Set for 2026 Across Iconic Locations
29 July 2026🏨 Italian hotel scene for 2026 features exciting new openings and restorations. In the Dolomites, Hotel Ambra Cortina d’Ampezzo debuts a HiFi Bar & Lounge, while Rosapetra Spa Resort introduces the Henge Suite with a private sauna and terrace. Florence’s Villa San Michele reopens with a new Guerlain spa. Lake Como’s Casabianca adds artistic suites, and the Lake Como Edition stands out with 148 rooms. Rome sees Casa JK Place with 12 apartments in May. Venice’s Danieli relaunches in August,…
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André Fu’s New Book, “A Designer’s Vision,” Explores 15 Years of Iconic Projects, Released by Assouline.
24 July 2026📚 André Fu, an interior designer from Hong Kong, has his 15-year career chronicled in a monograph, “André Fu: A Designer’s Vision,” released by Assouline on 24 July 2026, priced at £100. The book covers projects like The Upper House and St Regis in Hong Kong, Waldorf Astoria Osaka, and London’s Berkeley Hotel Pavilion Suites. It’s divided into three parts, including Heritage Reimagined, and features interviews with collaborators such as chef Daniel Calvert.
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WorldHotels Expands Global Presence with Over 40 Hotels in Development and New Entries in Key Markets
23 July 2026🏨 WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, is expanding with over 40 new hotels in development, following a growth of 100 hotels in 2025. With the luxury travel market projected to rise from $1.6 trillion in 2025 to $3 trillion by 2033, the brand is launching projects like Essensia Sky in Vietnam and entering new markets such as South Korea and Portugal. Strategic partnerships include De Historiske in Norway, expanding WorldHotels’ Crafted collection in Europe.
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STR Projection Tool Enhancements by Newport Hospitality Enable Accurate Forecasting and Budgeting for Hotel Property Leaders
23 July 2026📈 Ownership groups and asset managers demand accurate hotel forecasting due to rising costs. The STR Projection Tool by Newport Hospitality Group aids in planning the fiscal year, using data from CoStar and STR. It offers comparisons with previous years, improving decision-making and revenue strategy for properties. Enhanced sections provide year-over-year comparisons, aiding stakeholders. Newport Hospitality Group, based in Williamsburg, VA, manages hotels of various brands across the U.S., with Tim Hayes leading financial analysis.
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Total Solar Eclipse in 2026 Drives Reykjavik Hotel Prices to $1,012 per Night, 212% Above Average
21 July 2026🌎 On August 12, 2026, the total solar eclipse is driving hotel prices in Reykjavik, A Coruña, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela to unprecedented levels. Reykjavik tops the list, with hotel rates at $1,012 per night, a 212% increase from 2026 averages. Short-term rentals peak at $1,172 per night. Demand in A Coruña is 186% higher YoY, while Santiago remains the cheapest at $193 per night. 81% of A Coruña’s short-term rentals are booked.
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Nordic Luxury Tourism Facing Challenges as Occupancy Rates Lag and Saudi Vision 2030 Data Shows Warning Signs
21 July 2026🌍 Nordic countries are targeting luxury tourism as a national growth engine, akin to Saudi Vision 2030’s model. H1 2026 data reveal challenges: Riyadh occupancy dropped by 5 pp, ADR by 6.9%, and foreign arrivals decreased in Q1. Nordic winter markets show 59% peak occupancy, RevPAR at €99, with Oslo rentals at 40.3% occupancy. Copenhagen thrives with 77% occupancy, driven by urban culture. Austria’s proven model highlights six foundational ingredients essential for luxury tourism success.
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Hotel Industry Experts Discuss Shift to Flexible Operating Models and AI Integration by 2030 at HVS Webinar
17 July 2026📈 On July 15, industry leaders discussed evolving hotel models at a webinar by HVS, Bird & Bird, and The Leaders’ Journey. Key points included a shift from asset-heavy ownership to flexible models, the increasing role of AI in operations, and the importance of unique guest experiences. Joe Pettigrew noted AI’s impact on hotel recommendations. The panel stressed technology’s role, but affirmed hospitality’s human focus. The event highlighted adaptability and experience as crucial for future success.
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BWH Hotels GB Expands with Three New Independent Hotels, Adding 100 Bedrooms to Portfolio Across Three Cities
17 July 2026🏨 BWH Hotels GB signed three new hotels in Lyndhurst, London, and Newark, adding 100 rooms, raising their yearly addition to 291 rooms. The hotels are Forest Lodge (36 rooms), Best Western Chiswick Rooms (33 rooms, with a recent £500k refurbishment), and Sure Hotel Newark (30 rooms). The total portfolio now exceeds 230 properties. The Royal Maritime Hotel, another recent addition, earned nearly £50k in its first month.
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Wyndham and Choice Hotels Lead Industry Profitability with Asset-Light Models, Despite Modest Market Capitalizations
8 July 2026💸 Fiscal year 2025 saw financial improvements and expansion for major hotel groups. The top global hotel group earned over $26 billion, while its Western competitor earned less than half. Hyatt, Accor, and IHG earned $7 billion, $6 billion, and $5 billion, respectively, despite their lower room rankings. In profitability, Wyndham and Choice Hotels lead with $11 billion and $4.8 billion market capitalizations, achieving high margins due to an asset-light model. Wyndham’s EBITDA margin is 50%. Hilton ranks 2nd in…
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Accor Plans to Double Hotel Presence in China, Targeting 1,600 Hotels with New Luxury Projects by 2029
7 July 2026📍 Accor aims to expand from 830 to 1,600 hotels in Greater China within 5-6 years, focusing on luxury brands like Raffles and Sofitel. The company reported a 46% year-on-year increase in inbound tourism in mainland China from Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Accor, partnering with Jin Jiang International, H World Group, and Sunmei Digital Intelligence, plans to open new luxury hotels, including Fairmont Hangzhou Huagang and Sofitel Legend Wuxi by 2025.
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RBH Hospitality Management Secures Contract to Operate First Hyatt-Branded Hotel in UK, Expanding to 12 London Properties
2 July 2026🏨 RBH Hospitality Management secured its first Hyatt-branded property contract, operating the 276-room Hyatt Place London City East near Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. This marks RBH as the first UK operator to manage properties across eight global hotel brands. RBH has managed over 8,000 rooms in London for 25 years. The partnership with Sun Venture follows a competitive tender process, with RBH becoming Hyatt’s strategic partner in expanding its UK portfolio by over 30% between 2025 and 2026.
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RBH Hospitality Management to Operate First Hyatt-Branded Hotel with 276 Rooms in London City East
2 July 2026🏨 RBH Hospitality Management, partnered with Sun Venture, will manage Hyatt Place London City East, marking their first Hyatt-branded hotel. Located in East London near Brick Lane, the hotel offers 276 rooms, two meeting rooms, and two F&B outlets. This is the 12th RBH-managed property in London, contributing to their portfolio of over 8,000 rooms in the city over 25 years. The company operates hotels across eight major brands, enhancing their market reputation and expansion.
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Sojern Reports 44% Increase in U.S. to Canada Flight Bookings Amidst World Cup and Geopolitical Influences
29 June 2026🗺️ RateGain Travel Technologies reports strong summer travel trends amid the FIFA World Cup 2026. U.S. outbound flight bookings increased by 13%, with domestic travel up 15% and travel to Canada up 44%. Domestic U.S. airfares rose 25%, but international outbound demand remains high. Intra-European bookings are up 37%. Latin American flight bookings surged 38% domestically. Major World Cup host cities like Houston and Dallas see increased demand, while Mexico City bookings dropped 24.9%. Hotel search demand in the Middle…
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Nearly 80% of Brits Opt for UK Staycations Over Overseas Holidays Due to Travel Concerns, BWH Hotels Reports
29 June 2026🛫 Nearly 80% of Brits (79.7%) are opting for UK staycations in 2023, with 32% avoiding international travel. Research from BWH Hotels GB reveals flight cancellations (30%) and geopolitical instability (22%) drive this trend. UK holiday priorities include local exploration (50%), food and drink (39%), and relaxation (34%). Bookings spike during school holidays, with last-minute plans influenced by weather. Guests increasingly favor room-only bookings, seeking unique, authentic UK experiences.
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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.
