BWH Hotels GB has reported a strong start to 2026, with group travel and meetings and events (M&E) growth driving performance despite softer demand across the market.
BWH Hotels, represents Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels, with more than 230 hotels across GB including brands such as Best Western and WorldHotels.
Group travel and M&E revenue increased by 11% year-on-year, supported by improved conversion rates through the brand and a focus on higher-yielding contracts for its hotels.
M&E revenue rose by 17%, with agent-driven business up 18% year-on-year, supported by the launch of BWH Hotels GB’s agent rewards programme, Planners Advantage.
Inbound revenue through BWH’s global booking platforms rose by 12%, due to continued strength in international demand despite wider economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Across the group, revenue increased by 1.2% in Q1, driven by growth in average daily rate (ADR), with occupancy holding firm year-on-year despite challenging global market conditions.
Trading conditions remain mixed across the UK, however BWH Hotels GB has seen growth in key regions including central Scotland, alongside gains in the West Midlands, the North East and the Channel Islands.
Forward bookings indicate continued momentum, with London pacing 12% ahead and North Scotland and South Wales both up 6%.
The group has also continued to expand its GB footprint, welcoming a number of distinctive independent hotels to the brand.
Among the latest additions is Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, BW Signature Collection, in Chesterfield, a characterful premium property with full-service spa and 72 bedrooms.
It is joined by Best Western Leicester Oadby, a modern family-friendly hotel with 30 comfortable rooms and a convenient location near Leicester.
Momentum will continue into Q2 with the launch of the Royal Maritime Hotel in Portsmouth, joining the BW Signature Collection and adding a high-profile, heritage-led property in a key south coast destination.
David Knight, CEO at Royal Maritime Hotel, said: “Following detailed consideration, it was clear that BWH Hotels GB was the perfect partner for the Royal Maritime Hotel. Being part of the BW Signature Collection allows us to showcase Portsmouth’s maritime heritage to a worldwide audience while continuing to deliver exceptional service with purpose.”
Tim Rumney, CEO at BWH Hotels GB said: “We’re operating in a challenging market, but our Q1 performance shows the strength of our model and the value we deliver to our hotel partners.
“Despite wider global uncertainty, our inbound channels continue to perform strongly, particularly across meetings and events, where we’ve delivered double-digit growth.
“Securing three quality, well-located hotels shows the strength of the hands-on, proactive support we offer at BWH Hotels.
“With a strong pipeline and new openings coming, we’re well placed to build on this performance as we move through the year.”
Hotels joining BWH Hotels benefit from access to a global distribution network, a loyalty programme with millions of members and a range of commercial and marketing support – all while retaining their independence.