Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 13 COVER STORY SEA Hotel Developments 2020 is proving to be a momentous one for Best Western. First is the WorldHotels acquisition which bridged the brand's only remaining market gap: upper-upscale and luxury markets. Second is their fresh corporate identity: BWH, which cleverly combines their initials with WorldHotels. Now a "truly global hospitality group, [next] we have a broad Asia Pacific expansion strategy that covers a series of target markets, including Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines," said Olivier Berrivin, managing director, international operations, Asia, BWH Hotel Group. K E Y M A R K E T S / / With regional headquarters in Thailand, the Kingdom is a key market – recording almost 40 million international arrivals "despite a challenging 2019. It remains a highly desirable destination for the world's travellers, [where] we'll be opening hotels in key markets this year, including our first properties in Pattaya, and additional prime locations in Bangkok and Phuket, across multiple brands." Also, Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will mark the brand's entry into Hua Hin, while Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel will become the closest international hotel to one of Asia's busiest low-cost carrier terminals. BWH also recognises opportunities in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Cambodia's coastal region, Mr Berrivin sharing that BWH's development team is constantly in talks with owners and developers across Asia. W H AT ' S C O M I N G U P / / • THAILAND: Five openings in 2020. HIGHLIGHT: Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya; BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection; Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long • JAPAN: Four openings in 2020. HIGHLIGHT: Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Fukuoka Tenjin; Best Western Hotel Fino Sapporo; BW Premier Collection by Best Western Kyoto • PHILIPPINES: One opening in 2020. • MYANMAR: One opening in 2020. HIGHLIGHT: Best Western Ahlone Yangon • LAOS: One opening in 2020. 2020 is set to be an exciting year for brand growth in Southeast Asia, including new brand entries Staybridge Suites, Regent, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and voco hotels. "Thailand and Vietnam continue to be important growth markets for us as we grow our existing portfolio and bring new brands to new markets," shared Serena Lim, vice president, development, South East Asia and Korea, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). K E Y M A R K E T S / / "In Thailand, we see opportunities in the lifestyle and upscale brands and continue our growth of mainstream brands in secondary markets," said Ms Lim. In January, IHG added two new hotels in Thailand under its Holiday Inn and the first extended-stay brand Staybridge Suites in Asia Pacific. It will be planting new flags under its Kimpton and flagship InterContinental brands with the opening of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and InterContinental Khao Yai Swan Lake Resort and InterContinental Yao Yai Resort. Over in Vietnam, IHG is also expecting to expand its brand to tap into the rising international arrivals and burgeoning domestic middle-class travel. It recently signed Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, which is expected to open this year. In Phu Quoc, the group will be bringing its luxury Regent brand, a first since IHG acquired the luxury brand in 2018, as well as a Crowne Plaza. W H AT ' S C O M I N G U P / / • THAILAND: Six openings in 2020. HIGHLIGHT: Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang; Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor; Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok; Kimpton Nusa Dua, Bali; InterContinental Yao Yai Resort; InterContinental Khao Yai Swan Lake Resort • VIETNAM: Three openings in 2020. HIGHLIGHT: Regent Phu Quoc; Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc; Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP ////////// Regent Phu Quoc will be the first addition since IHG acquired the brand in 2018. Olivier Berrivin, managing director, international operations, Asia, BWH Hotel Group. Serena Lim, vice president, development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG. BWH HOTEL GROUP ////////// In the midscale sector, Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will mark the hotelier's entry into Hua Hin.

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