BWH^® Hotels Hosts 1,200 Attendees at Inaugural Pan European Convention Showcasing Global Strategy and Industry Collaboration

Brand strategies, ESG initiatives, and keynote insights from leading industry experts headlined the convention in Palma de Mallorca

Phoenix, Arizona (April 3rd, 2025)— BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise encompassing WorldHotels™, Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay^® Hotels, successfully hosted its first-ever Pan European Convention this week in Palma de Mallorca. With “Unique and United” as the inaugural theme, this landmark event brought together 1,200 hoteliers from across the globe to engage in industry-leading discussions and foster international collaboration, reinforcing BWH Hotels' commitment to global growth and partnership.

"At BWH Hotels, our mission is to inspire travel through unique experiences. As a global hospitality leader, we are dedicated to delivering best-in-class experiences for our guests, hoteliers, and associates,” said Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH Hotels.  “Our time in Mallorca was an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of our company and strategize on how we will continue to elevate our hotels across diverse markets—while remaining true to our core mission."

For the inaugural event, speakers shared their expertise and perspective on the big questions today’s hoteliers and hospitality leaders face, and attendees participated in over a dozen workshops on topics ranging from cybersecurity and digital marketing to wellness in hospitality. Keynote Speaker Steven Van Belleghem, co-founder of Nexxworks, delivered a presentation on service culture titled, “A Diamond in the Rough,” highlighting strategies to elevate guest experiences through exceptional service.

"It was inspiring to spend time with our Pan-European colleagues, engaging in meaningful discussions about how we can further leverage our global relationships and find new ways to collaborate,” said Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels. “The passion and expertise of our partners helps drive our international expansion, allowing us to enter new markets and redefine excellence in hospitality. Together, we will continue to achieve remarkable success worldwide."

Hoteliers also attended presentations and panels featuring top industry experts, including Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships at STR, who presented key insights into market trends and performance; and Emmanuel Vivier, Executive Speaker and Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Digital Transformation Specialist, who explored the impact of AI on the hospitality industry.

Additional Highlights from the Pan-European Convention Include:

• BWH Hotels’ Global Brand Growth, Operations and Marketing Strategies: Members of the BWH Hotels Executive Team provided updates on the company’s strategic direction, highlighting the strength and momentum of BWH Hotels and the importance of international collaboration.
• Environmental, Social and Governance Panel (ESG) Discussion: Some of the industry’s top minds in the world of ESG explored the future of sustainability in the hotel industry. The influential panel of experts who discussed sustainability in hospitality included Leandry Moreno, Programme Officer, Statistics, Standards, and Data Department of UN Tourism; Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; and Kelsey Frenkiel, Director of the Sustainability Program at GBTA Foundation. The thought-provoking discussion, moderated by Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels Italy & Malta reinforced BWH Hotels’ global Earth, People and Community (EPC) commitment to sustainable development and responsible travel practices.
• International CEO Panel: Hotel executives within the global BWH Hotels organization shared insights on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the evolving international travel landscape. Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels, moderated the discussion between panelists including:
  • Oliver Cohn, CEO of BWH Hotels France
  • Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels, Italy and Malta
  • Carmen Dücker, CEO of BWH Hotels Central Europe
  • Katerina Kyriakopoulou, Deputy CEO of BWH Hotels Southeastern Europe
  • Johan Michelson, CEO of BWH Hotels Scandinavia
  • Tim Rumney, CEO of BWH Hotels Great Britain
  • Marcus Smola, CEO of BWH Hotels Central Europe
  • Wytze van den Berg, Vice President of EMEA for BWH Hotels

With over 4,300 hotels in 100 countries and territories worldwide, BWH Hotels offers development opportunities for developers and guests in every market, as each brand offers its own personality and style. For more information, visit bwhhotels.com.

About BWH^® Hotels 

BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide.* With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. 

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.