BWH Hotels Honored at Annual Convention in Seattle
Celebrating over 3,000 attendees, BWH Hotels' convention highlights achievements and future goals.
BWH Hotels Honored at Annual Convention in Seattle
Global hospitality management enterprise BWH Hotels held its annual convention last week in Seattle, WA, with the theme Welcome Begins Here. This event welcomed over 3,000 participants, including hoteliers, operators, and partners from BWH Hotels.
The convention was not only a celebration of shared accomplishments but also a platform to lay the groundwork for ongoing success in the future. As Larry Cuculic, the organization’s president and CEO, stated: “This week, we made a bold declaration: we will be the most welcoming hospitality brand in the world. Welcome Begins Here is more than our convention theme; it is the new foundation for our global transformation. Across every hotel, our shared commitment is to deliver memorable, locally inspired experiences that make every guest feel at home.”
Driven by a strategic mission to enhance value at every interaction, BWH Hotels reported an impressive revenue of US$8.5 billion in the last year. Additionally, usage of the Best Western To Go app increased by 25 percent year-over-year, with a RevPAR Index of 108 that surpasses industry averages.
The Best Western Rewards® loyalty program has also demonstrated robust growth, now catering to 64 million members whose points do not expire.
Key Announcements at the Convention
Several significant announcements were made during the convention:
- Enhancing the Customer Journey: Attendees previewed the upcoming BestWestern.com website and mobile app, which will feature AI-driven personalized recommendations and tailored content when it launches in 2026.
- Tech-enabled Efficiencies: The launch of AutoClerk® Atlas, a next-generation property management system powered by HotelKey, is set to improve guest and hotel staff experiences with a scalable solution.
- Strategic Partnerships: BWH Hotels formed an exclusive partnership with Tripadvisor® to support travelers planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
- Expanding Luxury & Experiential Travel: WorldHotels is adding new properties, including the Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire to its elite collection, with plans to reach 250 properties by 2026.
- Partnering with Independent Developers: With over 130 new development deals within its North American portfolio, the expansion of the Aiden boutique brand is clear.
- International Expansion: More than 300 international agreements were signed this year, with significant developments in Saudi Arabia and across Asia and Latin America.
- Enabling Success: Launching in December, BWH’s new Liability Insurance Programme, created in collaboration with Willis Towers Watson® and CNA®, offers a unique, cost-effective solution for the hospitality sector.
