In the 24th edition of the HM Industry Leaders Forum, HM invited leading hoteliers, tourism professionals and suppliers across Asia Pacific and the world to give their insights into the hotel landscape and their outlook for the year ahead.
Here, BWH Hotels Vice President Asia Pacific, Olivier Berrivin, reveals how Asia-Pacific’s economic growth is expected to bolster business confidence in 2026.
The Asia-Pacific region entered 2025 with a varied but encouraging tourism recovery. While some destinations rebounded more rapidly than others, the overall trajectory remains firmly upward. A key driver of this momentum is the continued rise of intra-regional travel, which is reshaping demand patterns and strengthening the sector’s resilience.
At BWH Hotels Asia-Pacific, 2025 has been a year of purposeful expansion across strategic markets, particularly Thailand and Vietnam. Key milestones included the signing of Aiden Surawong Bangkok —introducing our Aiden brand to Thailand for the first time, and the region’s first WorldHotels Residences in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In Japan, the signing of our first managed hotel marked a pivotal step in advancing our long-term nationwide strategy.
Pakistan has emerged as one of our dynamic growth markets. With new openings in major urban centres such as Multan, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala, each home to more than a million residents, BWH Hotels has quickly become one of the country’s leading international hospitality companies. This early presence gives us a significant first-mover advantage in a nation, laying a solid foundation for long-term success.
Sustainability continues to redefine the global hospitality agenda, and BWH Hotels has embedded environmental and social responsibility into the core of our operations through our “Earth, People, Community” (EPC) commitment. This year, our Best Western and SureStay properties in Southeast Asia achieved GSTC certification, underscoring our dedication to responsible travel and strengthening our appeal among the growing segment of eco-conscious guests.
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic. Forecasts indicate that Asia Pacific’s economic growth will outpace the global average in 2026, bolstering business confidence and supporting continued expansion in international travel. As traveller expectations evolve, demand is shifting toward hotels that offer personalised experiences, distinctive identities, and meaningful local connections.
With 18 unique brands across three hotel groups, BWH Hotels is exceptionally well-positioned to serve today travellers, whether they seek urban boutique hotels, authentic culturally-rooted resorts, or the comfort and convenience of residential-style accommodations.
As we reflect on 2025 and the progress we’ve made, we also look toward 2026 — our 80th anniversary year — with great anticipation. Since the world’s first Best Western opened in California in 1946, BWH Hotels has grown into a trusted global hospitality group. In 2026, we look forward to unveiling a series of celebrations that honour our heritage while showcasing our vision for the future.
This article first appeared in HM Magazine’s February 2026 edition. Read it here