Best Western plans Asia's first BW Premier Collection hotel

We've already covered Best Western Hotels & Resorts' extensive expansion plans for Thailand and Asia in general—but now we have details about the company's first BW Premier Collection hotel in Asia.

Best Western has signed an agreement with Thai real estate company, Habitat Group, for the BluPhere Pattaya—a new-build eight-story project in Na Jomtien along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.
 

The BluPhere Pattaya will have 195 apartment-style units, will retain its existing branding and will be managed by Best Western as part of the BW Premier Collection, its upscale “soft brand.” 

This signing marks the second collaboration between Best Western and Habitat Group, following the Best Western Premier BayPhere Pattaya - another upscale development on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. 
 
“Thailand’s tourism industry is in an extremely healthy position” Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s managing director of international operations - Asia, said in a statement. “Thailand welcomed a record 32.6 million international visitors and generated THB2.52 trillion ($71.8 billion) in revenues in 2016, which exceeded the initial government targets set at the start of the year.
 
“But looking beyond the figures, Thailand is creating a strong and sustainable base on which to build its tourism industry in future. The country’s stated ambition of focusing on quality tourists will raise visitor spending, extend average length-of-stay, and build a more prosperous tourism economy for all stakeholders, allowing the Kingdom to continue reaping the benefits of tourism in future.“ 
 
According to the 2016 Mastercard Asia Pacific Destinations Index, Pattaya was the tenth most-visited Asian city last year, attracting 7.3 million international visitors, 25.2 million room nights and US$3.3 billion in visitor expenditure. This makes it Thailand’s third-most popular destination, after Bangkok and Phuket.