The move aims to strengthen portfolio awareness, clarify the experience for travellers and hotel owners, and accelerate growth through a unified platform and enhanced digital capabilities, while delivering a guest experience powered by local expertise.

Grounded in rigorous consumer research and guest feedback, this strategic evolution reflects how today’s travellers discover, evaluate, and book hotels, while preserving each independent property’s local character.

“We have a hotel for virtually every travel occasion, but many travellers only know a portion of our portfolio,” said Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, WorldHotels. “WorldHotels gives us a clearer way to tell our story. By connecting our brands, loyalty program and digital capabilities together under one masterbrand, we’re making it easier for travellers to understand who we are today, while enabling our hoteliers to better compete on a global scale and preserving the independence and individuality of our 4,000 hotels.”

Local Expertise at Global Scale

Unlike many large hospitality companies built around standardised experiences, WorldHotels is building its platform around local expertise. The transformation is designed to scale the knowledge of thousands of independent hoteliers throughout the global network — surfacing neighbourhood insights from on-the-ground hotel teams and making those local experiences easier for travellers to discover across the portfolio.

While individual property identities, signage and iconic flags will remain unchanged, the WorldHotels platform will expand cross-portfolio discovery, strengthen direct relationships with guests and increase visibility for hotel owners worldwide.

WorldHotels Rewards: A Unified Loyalty Programme for 70 Million Members

Central to the transformation is WorldHotels Rewards, a new, unified loyalty program that combines Best Western Rewards® and WorldHotels Rewards, bringing together approximately 70 million existing members. Simple, transparent, and rewarding, the new program introduces three streamlined membership tiers while protecting all current benefits, including status matching, member rates, and points that never expire. Members will retain their existing points value, enjoy additional opportunities to earn points, and gain access to a more connected global portfolio and a simplified rewards experience.

Additional details about the new loyalty programme will be announced on 16 November 2026. 

“WorldHotels Rewards was designed with our guests at the heart of every decision. Through extensive consumer research and member feedback, we learned travellers want a loyalty program that feels intuitive and transparent, that recognises them wherever they travel,” said Joelle Park, Chief Marketing Officer, WorldHotels. “By bringing our loyalty program together under WorldHotels Rewards, we’re making it easier for guests to discover the full breadth of our portfolio, find the right hotel for every journey and feel welcomed wherever they stay.”

Enhanced Digital Platform Designed to Scale Local Hospitality

To power this new rewards program and modernise guest engagement, WorldHotels has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, launching a new website and redesigned mobile app. At the heart of the experience is a proprietary discovery platform built on more than 10,000 hours of insights gathered from hotel teams worldwide.

These insights will help travellers discover hotels, neighbourhoods, and experiences across the portfolio, with a user experience that makes it easy to manage bookings and loyalty activity. By connecting local expertise, loyalty, and digital discovery on a single platform, WorldHotels helps travellers explore more of its portfolio while increasing visibility and direct-booking opportunities for hotel owners.

WorldHotels Collection: Independent, Character-Rich Hotels

As part of this transformation, the portfolio’s upscale and luxury hotels will now be unified under WorldHotels Collection, a global platform for independent properties that preserves the individuality that increasingly drives traveller choice. WorldHotels Collection comprises six categories: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, WorldHotels Crafted, WorldHotels Backdrop and WorldHotels Residences.

“The future of luxury hospitality isn’t about standardisation. It’s about helping exceptional independent properties compete and grow on a global stage, while remaining true to their identity,” said Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels Collection. “WorldHotels Collection sits at the intersection of independence and scale, giving owners access to the commercial power, technology and demand drivers of a major hospitality network while maintaining the tailored, local experiences today’s travellers are seeking.”

WorldHotels Collection is expanding in some of the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing categories: WorldHotels Residences combines private homeownership with luxury hospitality services and brand affiliation, while WorldHotels Backdrop connects travellers with distinctive destinations where immersive natural settings and elevated accommodations converge. Together, these platforms expand growth opportunities for developers, owners, and independent operators seeking global distribution and brand recognition.

For more information, visit WorldHotels.com.

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The recognition highlights Centara’s commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that combine its signature Thai service standards with each destination’s distinctive cultural identity.

The accolade comes just eight months after Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara officially opened on 6 February 2026, marking an important achievement in the property’s first year of operation. The recognition reflects Centara’s approach to delivering consistent hospitality standards while adapting guest experiences to local market characteristics.

As part of The Centara Collection, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara exemplifies Centara’s focus on developing distinctive, destination-inspired hospitality experiences across its international portfolio. Located in the tranquil hills of Kaskikot, overlooking the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake, the 42-key resort combines contemporary comfort and personalised service with Nepal’s cultural heritage and natural surroundings.

The property blends Centara’s renowned Thai hospitality with authentic Nepali traditions, offering guests immersive experiences that reflect the destination’s character. These include guided village walks, local culinary journeys and wellness programmes, demonstrating how Centara integrates local identity into its hospitality offerings while maintaining its established service standards.

Prapaijit Thongma, General Manager of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Best New Hotel/Resort 2026 award from the South Asian Travel Awards. This recognition is an important milestone for our team and reflects our commitment to delivering high standards of service and memorable guest experiences. Since opening earlier this year, we have been encouraged by the support of our guests, partners and the local community, and we remain dedicated to showcasing the unique character of Nepal through Centara’s signature hospitality.”

The South Asian Travel Awards recognise excellence across the hospitality and tourism industries in South Asia, honouring organisations for achievements in service quality, innovation and contributions to the region’s tourism sector.

The award further reinforces Centara Hotels & Resorts’ international brand recognition, reflecting the group’s continued focus on delivering quality hospitality through its diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts. The early achievement of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara highlights Centara’s commitment to bringing its Thai hospitality expertise to international destinations while embracing local culture to create differentiated guest experiences.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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The brand-new property will cater to a diverse range of guests, from urban explorers seeking short breaks to medical travellers on extended stays.

Now open and conveniently located on Arun Amarin Road, this new-build hotel offers visitors a taste of the Thai capital’s rich history and abundant attractions. Siriraj Hospital, one of Thailand’s most prestigious medical facilities, is less than 1 km away. 

Guests who cross the Chao Phraya River will find themselves in the heart of Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s “old city,” home to iconic cultural and heritage sites including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). 

Nearby, the vibrant districts of Khao San Road, the famous backpacker haven, and Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, offer many traditional restaurants, street food stalls, and night markets. For those who want to explore further afield, Thon Buri Railway Station offers services to Kanchanaburi province, home to the idyllic Erawan National Park and the infamous “Bridge on the River Kwai.”

A modern hotel, SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok features 148 stylish rooms, all equipped with everything today’s travellers need, including comfy beds, working areas and state-of-the-art technology. 

SureStay Hotels’ enhanced brand standards underpin every aspect of the hotel experience, combining quality, service, and great value. Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. Members can redeem these points for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.

“At BWH Hotels, we intuitively understand the evolving needs of travellers in the Thai capital. Bangkok is the world’s most-visited city, but more guests are seeking international-standard accommodations away from the commercial centre, or close to major urban attractions or transport hubs. With its strategic location near Siriraj Hospital, just moments from the historic heart of the city and with rooms for short and extended stays, SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok is set to appeal to a new wave of visitors,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.

With the opening of SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok, BWH Hotels now operates 18 properties in Greater Bangkok and 30 properties across Thailand. In line with the company’s global five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels plans to open around 200 hotels over the next five years.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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Open to young players aged 4 to 16, the championship offers more than a chance to compete. It also lets them test their skills, earn valuable national ranking points, build confidence, and experience the excitement of competing in a professionally organised tournament.

Adding to the championship’s distinction, Fitz Club has earned the prestigious Gold Standard Tennis 10s & Junior Tennis Championship Venue Award, presented by the Director of School Tennis-10 and the Tournament Supervisor, in recognition of the exceptional experience delivered both on and off the court.

With support from Carabao, Ramayana Water Park, Supersports, Tecnifibre, and Vitala, the championship combines competitive tennis with a fun-filled family experience. Young players and their families can enjoy live food stations and refreshing treats prepared by Royal Cliff’s award-winning chefs, along with activities and dedicated play areas. Parents and players can also unwind with sports recovery services and treatments from Vitala and Cliff Spa. All players will receive a surprise welcome pack, while winners will receive special gifts from our sponsors.

Adding even more excitement to the weekend, the Family Halloween Party at Royal Cliff Beach Hotel on the evening of 31 October 2026 will feature the popular Haunted Castle, games and entertainment for the whole family.

Set against Pattaya’s beautiful seaside setting, the championship is designed to give young athletes an experience they will remember long after the final match. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or working towards higher-level competition, every player has the opportunity to compete, connect and grow through tennis.

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier sports and wellness destination for professional and recreational athletes. 

Over the years, the centre has welcomed world-class talent, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on Fitz Club’s courts, engineered to mirror Grand Slam playing conditions. 

With a long legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has hosted numerous high-profile events, from prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash and Table Tennis competitions. 

This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues. Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal, and basketball, along with a certified HYROX coach, making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike. Ultimately, Fitz Club is helping elevate Pattaya’s profile as a leading destination for sports, families, and wellness.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com  and www.facebook.com/fitzclub.  

Thanks to the sponsors

CARABAO

Carabao Group Public Company Limited is a holding company engaging in manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing energy drinks and other beverages in a vertically integrated manner, starting from upstream production of key packaging materials, i.e. glass bottles and aluminium cans, down the chain to bottling and canning of finished products, as well as distribution channel management both domestically and internationally under the world-class product, world-class brand vision.

For more information about Carabao Group, visit www.carabaogroup.com

RAMAYANA WATER PARK

Ramayana Water Park is Thailand’s biggest and best water park, according to customer satisfaction!

Immerse yourself in a world of exciting water adventures in an award-winning tropical paradise inspired by enchanting Thai mythology. Discover 26 exciting water slides, large kids’ areas, foam parties, and many more fun activities for the whole family. Whether you’re seeking extreme thrills or a cosy and relaxing day, you’ll find something for everyone.

For more information about Ramayana Water Park, please visit https://www.ramayanawaterpark.com 

SUPERSPORTS

Supersports is Thailand’s No. 1 retailer and distributor of sportswear and equipment, dedicated to elevating the lives of all Thais through sports, as stated in the brand mission statement: ‘Move You, Move Sports’.

For more information about Supersports, please visit https://www.supersports.co.th/

TECNIFIBRE

Tecnifibre is the fastest-growing tennis brand worldwide today. Founded in 1979, the French company is run by tennis players and provides equipment (rackets / strings / balls / accessories / bags) for tennis players. Team members include Iga Swiatek (World No.1 and six-time Grand Slam Winner) and Daniil Medvedev (2020 ATP Tour Finals & 2021 US Open Champion).

For more information about Technifibre, please visit https://www.tecnifibre.com/ 

VITALA (Rehab & Physiological Clinic)

Design Your Health at VITALA. We are an interdisciplinary clinic providing physical therapy services in collaboration with physicians and sports scientists, managed by a specialised interdisciplinary team. We are dedicated to caring for you to the best of our abilities. 

For more information about Vitala, please visit https://www.facebook.com/vitalarehabclinic

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

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Here, luxury extends beyond where you stay; it is found in the space, landscape, culture, cuisine, and people that shape the journey.

All these elements come together in Krabi, a destination of turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs and lush landscapes, complemented by a rich multicultural heritage and a strong sense of place.

Centara Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to discover what makes Krabi a compelling luxury destination.

Krabi’s multicultural heritage

Krabi’s coastal setting has shaped a rich, multicultural heritage that still flourishes today. Buddhist temples sit alongside Muslim mosques, reflecting the influences that have flowed across the Indian Ocean. Travellers can visit villages where time-honoured traditions have been passed down through generations and shop for handicrafts at bustling markets. Heading out into the island-studded seascape, explorers can learn about the Urak Lawoi, an ancient seafaring community that has lived in harmony with the Andaman for centuries.

Experience the flavours of Krabi

Bold and spicy yet also fresh and tropical, Krabi has developed a unique culinary culture that sets it apart from the rest of the country. The long coastline puts seafood centre stage, sourced straight from the Andaman waters, while exotic ingredients such as turmeric, chilli, and shrimp paste add a distinct flavour. Stroll through the night markets as shellfish steams and sizzles on street-food stalls, and savour local specialities like khua kling (spicy dry-fried curry) and pla tod kamin (deep-fried fish with turmeric and garlic).

Reconnect with nature

In Krabi, nature lovers can explore remarkable landscapes on land and at sea. Offshore, guests can embark on bespoke boat trips to the iconic Four Islands, Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Tub, and Koh Mor, as well as Koh Phi Phi Leh, home to the famous Maya Bay. Crystal-clear waters offer excellent snorkelling opportunities among vibrant marine life, while the mainland reveals a tapestry of jungle-clad hills, cascading waterfalls, and secluded nature trails. Where the forest meets the sea, lush mangrove ecosystems provide a habitat for colourful birds, playful monkeys and other native wildlife.

Wellbeing rooted in nature

With its deep sense of purity and serenity, Krabi offers a natural setting for wellness, where guests can slow down and enjoy physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Experience natural hydrotherapy in Khlong Thom, the mineral-rich pools hidden deep in the jungle, while the province’s stunning beaches set the scene for sunrise yoga and meditation sessions. Krabi’s abundance of herbs and spices not only provides ingredients for fresh cuisine; they can also soothe muscles and stimulate the senses in an herbal compress, the perfect accompaniment to an invigorating massage.

A different kind of luxury comes to Krabi

Guests will soon discover a more personal expression of luxury at Centara Reserve Krabi, a new five-star beachfront sanctuary set within a secluded sandy cove accessible only by boat. Rooted in its destination, the resort will bring guests closer to Krabi through thoughtful welcome rituals, cultural experiences, and curated excursions that reveal the province’s natural beauty and local heritage.

The resort’s 119 rooms, suites and villas will combine contemporary elegance with a strong sense of place, creating inviting spaces for couples and families alike. Design details will draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape. At the same time, six restaurants and bars will celebrate the region’s culinary identity through fresh Andaman seafood, locally sourced ingredients and distinctive Thai flavours, complemented by a beachside seafood grill. At Reserve Spa Cenvaree, locally inspired aromas and personalised treatments will shape a holistic approach to wellness, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. Throughout each stay, a dedicated Reserve Host will provide thoughtful, personalised service and insider knowledge, ensuring every experience feels meaningful and uniquely connected to Krabi.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

About Centara

Centara Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel operator headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its 93 properties span major destinations across Thailand, plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands — Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels — ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts).

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And it is all of that. But give it a day or two, and the definition of “luxury” starts to shift a little.

Less spectacle, more space

There are no grand reveals here. No need for dramatic arrivals or overdesigned moments engineered for effect.

Instead, it’s space.

Space between tables  — like those long, unhurried Roti Canai breakfasts that stretch somewhere between morning and afternoon along Pantai Tengah. 

Space between plans — the kind you notice when a short drive quietly turns into a full loop around the island. 

Space to sit somewhere a little longer than you intended, without feeling like you should be somewhere else. 

You start to realise how rare that is.

Elsewhere, luxury tends to announce itself — through scale, through detail, through the feeling that everything has been carefully considered for you.

Here, it feels like the opposite, as if things were left open on purpose.

Nature, but not on display

In Langkawi, nature isn’t something you “go out” to see.

It’s already there, folded into everything.

A morning through the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park doesn’t feel like a checklist item; it feels more like drifting through something that was always moving at its own pace. The limestone cliffs, the stillness of the water, the occasional eagle cutting across the sky — none of it pauses for you, which is exactly why it feels real.

The rainforest doesn’t sit at a distance, waiting to be visited. It leans in — close enough that you hear it before you notice it. The sea isn’t a backdrop; it’s part of your day’s rhythm, whether you planned for it or not.

It doesn’t feel curated. Which, in its own way, feels like the real luxury.

Privacy without trying too hard

There’s a certain kind of quiet here that isn’t engineered — it just exists.Not silence, exactly. But the absence of noise that asks something from you.

Even in places you’d expect to be busy — a sunset along Tanjung Rhu, or a stretch of sand just slightly off the main beach — there’s room to step away without going very far.

You’re not competing for space. You don’t have to adjust your pace to match a crowd. You don’t feel like you’re part of someone else’s itinerary.

And because of that, everything feels a bit more yours. Your morning. Your time. Your version of the place.

A softer kind of indulgence

Luxury, here, isn’t about excess. It’s about ease.

A simple nasi campur lunch that turns out better than expected. A late afternoon that slips into evening somewhere between a beach walk and deciding whether you even need dinner yet. A quiet drink by the water where nothing in particular is happening — and that’s enough.

There’s nothing to perform. No pressure to “make the most of it.” Which, quietly, is what allows you to.

What you actually leave with

You don’t leave Langkawi talking about how much you did. You talk about how it felt.

Unrushed. 

Uncomplicated. 

Surprisingly grounding for a place that, at first glance, looks like a typical island escape.

And somewhere along the way, luxury stops being about more. It becomes about what’s left, once everything unnecessary falls away.

That’s the difference. And once you notice it, it’s hard to unsee.

For more information on Langkawi and its attractions, visit: https://naturallylangkawi.my/ 

(Source: Naturally Langkawi)

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This year, Centara received three distinguished awards across key hospitality segments:

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Best Luxury Hotel of the Year, recognising its exceptional luxury resort experience, refined service and distinctive island hospitality in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya received the Best Family Vacation Hotel of the Year award, reinforcing its position as one of Thailand’s leading family resort destinations, offering immersive experiences, extensive leisure facilities, and memorable stays for guests of all ages.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld was honoured as Best MICE Hotel of the Year, highlighting its strong reputation as a premier venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and events in the heart of Bangkok, supported by expansive event spaces, world-class facilities and professional service standards.

The recognition reflects the strength and diversity of Centara’s portfolio, spanning luxury leisure, family-focused resorts and urban MICE hospitality. It also underscores the group’s continued commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences, service excellence and internationally recognised standards across its hotels and resorts.

The AHA Asia Hotel Awards 2026 marks an important milestone for the regional hospitality industry, having evolved from the CHA China Hotel Awards into an Asia-wide awards platform. Under the theme “Trusted Choice of Excellence”, the awards celebrate high-performing hotels, influential hospitality brands, and industry leaders who drive the continued growth and development of Asia’s hotel sector.

The awards gala took place in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together leading hotel groups, investors, luxury brands, media representatives, and hospitality professionals from across the region.

As Centara continues to expand its footprint in Thailand and international markets, these awards further strengthen the company’s position as a leading Thai hospitality brand with a growing presence across Asia and beyond.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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The popular island destination in northern Malaysia presents the Naturally Langkawi story to four key cities, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Wuxi, and Jinan, from 12 to 19 October 2026.

The roadshow also spotlighted the launch of LADA’s official Naturally Langkawi presence on Xiaohongshu (Rednote), one of China’s leading lifestyle and travel discovery platforms.

The tie-up with Xiaohongshu (Rednote) extends Langkawi’s digital engagement with Chinese travellers and introduces them to Langkawi’s natural landscapes, cultural character and distinctive island experiences. 

Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Waffa Wahida binti Zainol, Tourism Manager of LADA, and the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) President Datuk Dr Angie Ng jointly officiated at the launch in Beijing.

LADA’s participation in the four-city roadshow reflects its continued commitment to strengthening relationships with the China travel trade and increasing awareness of Langkawi among Chinese travellers. Through a combination of B2B engagement and digital storytelling, the initiative aims to present Langkawi through a broader lens – one that goes beyond the traditional sun-and-sea holiday.

At the heart of this approach is “Feel Again”, Naturally Langkawi’s emotional invitation to experience the island through moments of wonder, connection, indulgence and possibility. From its ancient landscapes and UNESCO Global Geopark heritage to its beaches, wildlife and local experiences, Langkawi offers travellers space to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience something different.

“China remains an important market for Langkawi, and this roadshow provides a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with the travel trade across key cities while bringing the Naturally Langkawi story directly to Chinese travellers,” said Waffa, Tourism Manager of LADA.

“Through Xiaohongshu, we can share Langkawi in a way that reflects how today’s travellers discover and experience places – through visual stories, authentic recommendations and experiences worth remembering. We want Chinese travellers to see that Langkawi is more than a beautiful island. It is a place where they can reconnect with nature, discover new experiences and, ultimately, feel again.”

Naturally, Langkawi on Xiaohongshu 

As part of its digital engagement in China, LADA will use the Xiaohongshu (Rednote) platform to showcase a selection of experiences that reflect the different ways travellers can discover and connect with Langkawi. Chinese travellers can now follow the official Naturally Langkawi account on Xiaohongshu (Rednote) for travel inspiration, curated experiences and stories from across the island.

(Source: Your Stories — LADA)

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With a beautiful tapestry of rice paddies, lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and white beaches, the Cagayan Valley is a popular destination for Filipino travellers. Last year, 1.34 million tourists visited this pristine region, marking a 21.9% year-on-year increase¹. Overseas visitors from markets such as the U.S., China and Korea are also discovering the Cagayan Valley, and the debut of Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan could help to draw a new wave of tourists. Visitors will enjoy a wealth of natural and cultural attractions.

Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan is conveniently located in Tuguegarao City’s main commercial centre and is only a short drive from Tuguegarao Airport, which offers direct flights to and from Manila. The hotel’s 129 rooms come with modern amenities, and guests can savour local and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, work out at the fitness centre, or relax by the pool. A rooftop restaurant and karaoke bar also create options for memorable evenings.

The hotel is also set to become one of the region’s leading venues for meetings and events; the Grand Ballroom can stage major conferences and weddings with seating for up to 700 people, while 12 additional function spaces — ranging from 19 to 140 sqm — can host a wide range of events, from breakouts and board meetings to training sessions and business briefings.

Best Western Plus brand standards guide every aspect of the hotel experience, going beyond expectations with well-appointed guestrooms and upgraded amenities. 

Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. Members can redeem these points for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.

“The debut of Best Western Plus in the Cagayan Valley demonstrates our commitment to introducing our world-renowned standards of international hospitality to Asia’s most exciting emerging destinations. Northern Luzon is absolutely stunning, with rolling hills, deep valleys, and beautiful beaches. As the first major hotel brand to arrive here, we look forward to introducing a rising number of domestic and overseas visitors to the wonders of this scenic region,” said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC Olivier Berrivin. 

With the opening of Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan, BWH Hotels now operates nine properties in the Philippines under four distinct brands: SureStay Plus by Best Western, SureStay Studio by Best Western, Best Western Plus and WorldHotels Elite. In line with the company’s five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels is targeting around 200 hotels in Asia Pacific over the next five years.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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As Thailand’s leading hotel operator and one of Asia’s most recognised hospitality brands, Centara Hotels & Resorts offers more than 93 properties across 12 countries. The partnership will see Global Payments® power cross-border payment capabilities to support national and international visitation across Centara’s Thailand property estate.

The Centara partnership mirrors Global Payments’ broader Asia strategy to identify high-volume travel verticals where cross-border payment complexity hinders customer attraction and retention. This addition to Global Payments’ Thailand partner portfolio effectively completes a payments infrastructure that now spans the full international traveller journey, offering a seamless customer experience from flight booking to hotel check-in.

A new payment standard 

In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed 32.97 million international visitors, each arriving with different currencies and payment expectations shaped by their home markets. However, currency friction at checkout, limited support for international payment methods, and the complexity of settling funds across borders cost travel merchants in Thailand real revenue.

While online travel agencies (OTAs) account for 69% of hotel bookings in ASEAN, industry research shows nearly 35% of hotel bookings in Southeast Asia now come directly through hotel websites, indicating a preference for direct bookings. As travellers bypass OTAs for better prices, flexible policies, and loyalty benefits, a seamless payment experience becomes a key differentiator. As cross-border spending demand continues to grow, foreign exchange volatility and unexpected conversion rates create speed bumps that lead to buyer hesitation at checkout. These factors are driving greater demand for a localised customer journey that rewards loyalty. Global Payments’ payments infrastructure enables Centara to own the checkout experience and provide a direct booking relationship with customers.

Global Payments’ partnership with Centara delivers capabilities that address these expectations by enabling multicurrency pricing (MCP) across 153 currencies and 200 payment types, and by configuring reliable FX sources and rate locks.

Transactions on the new platform are expected to commence across Centara’s Thailand properties in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Building Asia’s travel payments backbone

Since entering the Thai market twelve months ago, Global Payments has built relationships with the country’s leading carriers, and now its most prominent hotel group, creating a seamless, connected ecosystem that follows the international traveller from departure gate to hotel lobby.

Phil Pomford, executive lead, Enterprise APAC at Global Payments, said: “Travellers now expect to find their own currency, preferred payment method and a seamless checkout experience wherever they book. Addressing the same challenges faced by our global airline partners, we are proud to extend our proven cross-border solution to one of Asia’s most respected hospitality brands.”

Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, said: “Partnering with Global Payments allows us to deliver a seamless booking and payment experience that meets the expectations of today’s international travellers. By integrating multicurrency pricing and secure cross-border capabilities, we can strengthen direct relationships with our guests, enhance loyalty, and support Thailand’s tourism growth. This collaboration underscores Centara’s commitment to innovation and to providing world-class hospitality that begins the moment a guest books their stay.”

Global Payments manages approximately USD3.7 trillion in transactions annually across more than 175 countries, hundreds of payment types and currencies. Global Payments’ payments infrastructure will enable Centara to offer travellers — both regional and international — a seamless, localised booking experience.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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