As overtourism strains popular destinations, BWH Hotels is rolling out a curated portfolio of six Detour Destinations across Asia Pacific. The initiative taps into a growing trend: 63% of travelers now plan to explore secondary locations on their next trip, according to recent industry data. For travel professionals—from airline executives to tour operators—this signals a shift in consumer behavior that demands flexible, off-the-beaten-path inventory.
Strategic Diversification for the Travel Trade
BWH Hotels, the global enterprise behind WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, operates over 4,300 properties in 100+ countries. The Detour Destinations program highlights six properties that offer alternatives to overcrowded hubs. For hoteliers and agents, this presents an opportunity to upsell secondary stays and extend itineraries.
“Travelers are increasingly planning detours along their journeys, discovering less crowded, unique experiences that provide a welcoming sense of place,” said a BWH Hotels spokesperson. The properties range from heritage hotels to modern resorts, each with a distinct angle for the trade to market.
Property Highlights for Industry Professionals
- Goodwood Park Hotel, WorldHotels Elite (Singapore) – A colonial-era property dating from 1900, located near the city’s cultural districts. Ideal for agents packaging heritage tours with MRT access to Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
- Ambassador Hotel Hsinchu, WorldHotels Elite (Taiwan) – Positioned in “Taiwan’s Silicon Valley,” this hotel offers a business-leisure blend. The 12th-floor A Shabu restaurant specializes in imported Japanese beef, appealing to corporate clients and foodies.
- Best Western Wellington (New Zealand) – With EV charging stations and apartment-style rooms, this property targets self-drive travelers and extended-stay guests. Wellington’s compact center and cable car views provide a laid-back alternative to Auckland.
- SureStay by Best Western Vientiane (Laos) – Nestled on the Mekong River, this hotel offers access to Pha That Luang and Wat Sisaket. The Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Bar is a sunset draw for leisure travelers.
- Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang (Vietnam) – Combines beach access with a 3D golf simulator and proximity to the ancient Po Nagar temple. Suitable for golf tour operators and cultural tourism packages.
- Best Western Plus Hotel Subic (Philippines) – A 2.5-hour drive from Manila, this property caters to divers with shipwreck sites and nature lovers visiting Pamulaklakin Nature Park. Ideal for weekend getaways and MICE groups seeking a coastal retreat.
The Detour Destinations align with broader industry trends. For example, Southeast Asian hotel margins are under pressure, making secondary markets a cost-effective alternative for operators. Similarly, luxury resorts are diversifying their guest mix, a strategy that BWH Hotels mirrors by targeting both leisure and business travelers.
For travel agents, the program offers commissionable add-ons. Tour operators can integrate these properties into multi-stop itineraries, while airline partners may bundle flights to secondary airports.
As the travel industry grapples with overtourism, BWH Hotels’ Detour Destinations provide a scalable model. By promoting lesser-known locales, the company not only eases pressure on hotspots but also unlocks revenue streams for the trade. For executives and agents alike, the message is clear: the detour is the destination.
