Larry Cuculic, CEO, BWH Hotels, told the audience at the Best Western 2023 Annual Convention, held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, that the company is in its “greatest financial position in its history.”
“We don’t have shareholders,” he said. “We don’t pay dividends to investors. Our sole purpose is investing in your success.”
The company has plans to continue its success going forward. “In 2023 we will spend over $120 million in advertising and promotions,” he added. “We have a sales team that has driven a 12% year-over-year revenue increase. We have a brand management team that has provided top-of-wave coaching and Because We Care training to over 1,600 hotels with our hotels grading it an overall satisfaction score of 98.3%.”
Ron Pohl, president, WorldHotels and international operations, BWH Hotels, said that the company is prepared for the expected expansion of global travel. “Our international expansion is exciting for Best Western-branded hotels,” he told the audience. “And this year we have entered many markets for the very first time. We currently have 232 Best Western hotels and 37 World Hotels in the international pipeline…Our team is focused on the retention and growth of hotels around the world, and as you saw, many great hotels have joined us.”
Partnership with Drybar
BWH Hotels also announced that Drybar amenities will now be available at its boutique brands, including Aiden and Vīb.
Drybar, known for its more than 100 blow dry salons across the U.S. and its hair care products, will now offer its hair care and bath products in guestrooms at Aiden and Vīb’s North American properties.
“At BWH Hotels, we prioritize finding meaningful partnerships for each of our brands that will enhance a guest’s overall experience,” said Amy Hulbert, VP, boutique and upscale Brands, BWH Hotels. “With Drybar, we are not only collaborating with a premier brand that aligns with our clientele and character, but one that consistently provides products of the highest quality.”
“We are thrilled to partner with BWH Hotels to bring Drybar products to Aiden and Vīb hotels,” said Julianne Dubois, VP, global marketing, Drybar. “These boutique hotel brands deliver authentic and engaging travel experiences, making this the ideal partnership for us. At Drybar we are committed to providing the best professional quality products to create and maintain the perfect blowout, and we are excited to bring this promise to life for Aiden and Vīb guests.”
