BWH Hotel Group reconnects with the industry at ITB Asia 2022
For Olivier Berrivin, Vice President APAC of BWH Hotel Group, ITB Asia is an opportunity to showcase the company’s expanded collection of 18 brands
Berrivin outlined the company’s growth plans for 2023 in an exclusive interview with ITB Asia News.
What is BWH Hotel Group presenting at ITB Asia 2022?
BWH Group has a significant presence at ITB Asia, because the show provides an opportunity for the industry to reconnect and exchange views about the travel industry’s restart. It is our first concrete opportunity to strengthen existing business relationships with the region’s most important players. Our Team takes this opportunity for presenting our latest brand development updates as well, including our newest openings in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and more. Lastly, we are showcasing our expanded collection of 18 brands and outlining our growth plans in 2023 and of course beyond. We are very pleased to meet with our esteemed travel industry colleagues and partners.
What makes BWH stand out for developers and travellers?
BWH Hotel Group is one of the hospitality industry’s most trusted names, with a strong reputation for providing comfort, convenience and service excellence. We significantly expanded in recent years. Our portfolio now comprises 18 brands. They target every sector of the market, from economy to luxury. For developers, we created concepts that are dedicated to new-builds and conversions, as well as soft brands that allow owners to retain their identity and independence from our global reach and reputation. Finally, the flexibility of our partnerships, including franchises, full management and consultancy options, give all owners the perfect opportunity to leverage our expertise. Last but not least, the BWH Hotel Group is demonstrating its commitment to environmental & social responsibility through the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. These organisations will work together to leverage the collective power of the industry to make a positive impact locally and on a global scale.
Are you specifically targeting any key destinations?
Among key strategic target markets in Asia, we are actively ramping up our presence in Vietnam. We currently operate three properties there and we plan to launch at least four hotels and resorts by the end of 2023. Thailand is our top market in Southeast Asia with 14 properties and another key target for expansion. We have at least five more properties in the pipeline. Pakistan is a very interesting market for Best Western, and we want boosting our footprint from two to six properties by the end of 2023.
… the flexibility of our partnerships, including franchises, full management and consultancy options, give all owners the perfect opportunity to leverage our expertise
Why are global events like ITB Asia so important for the travel industry?
ITB Asia is the top travel trade show on the regional calendar and we are delighted that it is returning as a face-to-face event. Expos such as these are absolutely vital to our business; they allow us to reconnect with our industry colleagues and partners, reveal our latest projects and innovations, and drive business to our hotels and resorts. Virtual events have a place in the industry, but nothing beats the opportunity to meet in-person.
