BWH Hotels Asia Pacific formally closed its three-day 2026 Pan APAC Regional Conference today, 24th March, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event kicked off on Sunday, 22nd March, at the Carlton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok in the Thai capital, revolving around the theme Powering One Vision.
As such, the conference served as a platform to strengthen partnerships, celebrate collective achievements, and align on strategies driving BWH Hotels’ continuing growth, not just in the region, but also throughout the world.
A single vision for a global hospitality powerhouse
This overarching theme calls to mind the words of president and chief executive Larry Cuculic earlier this year.
At the start of 2026, Cuculic declared: “BWH Hotels is building on powerful growth and momentum across our global portfolio. Our strategic expansion across every brand segment continues to fuel a balanced, high‑performing network that delivers value for our owners and unforgettable experiences for travelers.”
Indeed, the company continues to enjoy the trust of its hoteliers thanks to the strength of its increasingly diverse portfolio within the Asia Pacific, as well as the impact of its delivery systems.
BWH Hotels’ ongoing expansion efforts have likewise reinforced the power of its operational model, as well as its commitment to those who help make each of its properties extraordinary.
For his part, BWH Hotels’ chairman of the board Viral “Victor” Patel highlighted how the company’s leadership is collectively steering it under a singular vision built upon innovation and regional excellence.
Patel also introduced BWH’s board of directors for 2026 which consists of himself, vice-chairperson Raj Patel,treasurer Santosh Khanjee, and members Steve Angeline, Rebecca Driggs, Mike Merchant, and Steve Wahrlich.
Powerful partnerships
This year’s conference also saw several major signings for the company within the Asia Pacific; namely:
- A new area development office in Japan in partnership with DHP Hospitality Co Ltd which aims to accelerate the expansion of BWH Hotels in the country, marking a pivotal moment in its growth strategy, leveraging local expertise to introduce a diverse brand portfolio to key urban and leisure destinations throughout the country;
- The Peninsula Riverside Perth – A WorldHotels Distinctive joins the regional portfolio, giving it access to BWH Hotels’ global distribution network and powerful loyalty programme, essentially connecting it to high-value travellers worldwide whilst retaining its distinctive, independent character;
- Also in Australia is the Best Western Hervey Hotel & Suites, a new-build property currently under construction and the third hotel signed with Linda and James Anastasiades of Seaforth Corp who previously partnered with BWH Hotels on three projects in 2025;
- BWH also signed three remarkable properties in Hoi An, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town: WorldHotels An Astoria Hoi An, the first WorldHotels Crafted Collection in the region, alongside Best Western Premier An Ocean Wellness Hoi An and Best Western Plus An Heritage Hoi An. Together, these properties underscore the rising appeal of the Da Nang – Hoi An corridor as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling leisure destinations; and
- Lusso Saigon WorldHotels Residences, an exceptional development made up of 1,136 residences which reflects the accelerating demand for premium branded living, setting a new benchmark of luxury in Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing markets for branded residences in the region.
Photos and reportage: Gary Marshall
