Best Western Asia Developers

Hotel Owners in Thailand Seek Local Expertise and Flexibility in Post-COVID World

Tourism industry plays a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, contributing an estimated 12% of the country’s GDP. Despite the current hiatus of global tourism in the wake of COVID-19, investor sentiment in hotel property in Thailand is starting to witness favorable turnaround thanks to the surge of domestic tourism.

Following a sharp but short-term fall in visitor arrivals this year, Thailand is expected to rebound strongly once travel restrictions are eased. The Kingdom’s location, just a short flight from major source markets such as China, India and ASEAN countries, will help to drive its recovery.

With its regional corporate office in Bangkok and a knowledgeable local team, BWH Hotel Group is perfectly positioned to help Thai owners and investors - especially during a period of travel restrictions. The group continues to receive enquiries from reputed local developers, and while the pandemic has slowed down some developments, several projects are still making good progress.

Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Phuket remain the strongest Thai markets, with several projects under discussion. Other areas showing activity include Krabi, Phang Nga, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Koh Samui, Rayong, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. BWH Hotel Group takes a holistic view of development in Thailand, and has the brand diversity to adapt to any market or property type, including hotel properties with small room count.

At present, the company boasts 14 operating properties in Thailand and 11 hotels in the pipeline, totaling over 4,600 keys nationwide. By the end of 2020, BWH Hotel Group will unveil three properties in the beach resort town of Pattaya, including Best Western Plus Nexen Pattaya Hotel, Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya, and Bluphere BW Premier Collection by Best Western.

Thailand has been a strong market for the introduction of BWH Hotel Group’s newer brands, such as Vīb by Best Western, the urban lifestyle concept, and soft brands like BW Signature Collection by Best Western and BW Premier Collection by Best Western. This reflects the confidence Thai owners have in one of the world’s leading hotel chains. The group’s latest boutique lifestyle brands, Sadie and Aiden by Best Western, are likely to be in high demand from young travelers seeking a more authentic local experience. There will also be opportunities for Executive Residency by Best Western, the extended-stay brand, which allows condo owners to convert to serviced apartments for at least five years and eventually sell them as residential units.

Following such a challenging time, BWH Hotel Group can help hoteliers recover more quickly due to its strong global distribution channels and worldwide loyalty program, BW Rewards. It is one of the most responsive hotel groups in the market, with flexible fee structures and the ability drive higher yields to owners, and guests will be reassured by staying with one of the largest hotel chains in the world.

In an ever-changing world, BWH Hotel Group’s local expertise and intuitive brand portfolio will help owners, developers and guests adapt more easily to the “new normal” of tourism in Thailand.

To get in touch with BWH Hotel Group’s development team, please contact Cyrill Czerwonka, Senior Regional Director of Development Asia, via asiadevelopment@bestwestern.com.

Discover BWH Group and learn about our brands and projects in the pipeline at http://www.bestwesternasiadevelopers.com