BWH Hotels is expanding into hotel management operations in the Australia and New Zealand market, this week announcing the signing of its first hotel management agreement in the region.
The latest signing will see the company assume hotel management rights for the Cambridge Hotel Kununurra in Western Australia, under a partnership with Cambridge Gulf Limited.
Following the management takeover in May, the property will undergo a complete rebrand to Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra, which is slated for completion in June. BWH Hotels said its accommodations and services will be tailored to independent, tech-savvy, and worldly guests.
While BWH Hotels’ primary focus in ANZ has been on franchise operations, it has a growing portfolio of managed properties in Asia Pacific, with nearly one-third of its properties in Thailand directly managed by the company.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our regional growth strategy,” said BWH Hotels Australasia Managing Director, Rod Munro.
“The expansion into hotel management is a natural progression for our business, allowing us to leverage our extensive operational expertise while delivering exceptional value to hotel owners and memorable experiences to guests.”
Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra will take a three-stage approach to its relaunch, with 49 fully refurbished rooms to open in stage one, before an extension of the hotel’s facilities, including a conference centre, wellness centre and a pool bar. The final stage will see the hotel’s capacity double with an extra 48 new guest rooms, by the end of 2026.
“We’re thrilled to partner with BWH Hotels to elevate the Cambridge Hotel Kununurra to new heights,” said Cambridge Gulf Limited Chief Executive Officer, Tony Chafer.
“Their proven management expertise and global distribution strength will significantly enhance our property’s commercial returns. BWH also shares in our ongoing commitment to the Kununurra community to provide greater employment opportunities and to strengthen business resilience for Australia’s North West tourism region.”
The hotel, located five minutes’ drive from Kununurra Airport, features an onsite restaurant, a bar, car parking and a swimming pool. It will continue to cater to both business travellers as well as domestic and international leisure travellers.