(Tofino, BC) June 17, 2026 – Wickaninnish Inn has earned international acclaim in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards, Best of the Best 2026, receiving three prestigious distinctions that place the iconic Tofino resort among the highest-rated hotels in Canada and around the world.

Wickaninnish Inn was recognized as:
• #1 Luxury Hotel in Canada
• #5 Luxury Hotel in the World
• #4 Top Hotel in Canada

The Travellers' Choice Awards, Best of the Best represent Tripadvisor's highest level of recognition, celebrating the top one percent of hotels worldwide based on reviews and ratings. The awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period, making them one of the travel industry's most trusted indicators of guest satisfaction. Out of eight million listings on Tripadvisor, fewer than one percent achieve this milestone.
"These awards are particularly meaningful because they come directly from our guests," said Charles McDiarmid, Maître de Maison and co-owner of Wickaninnish Inn. "To be recognized not only as Canada's leading luxury hotel but also among the top luxury hotels in the world is an incredible honour. We are deeply grateful to our guests for sharing their experiences and to our dedicated team, whose commitment to genuine hospitality creates unforgettable memories for visitors from around the globe."
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Wickaninnish Inn has welcomed guests to the edge of the Pacific Ocean since 1996. Situated on Chesterman Beach between ancient rainforest and the wild Pacific Ocean in the village of Tofino on Vancouver Island, the family-owned Relais & Châteaux property is renowned for its spectacular oceanfront setting, personalized service, award-winning culinary experiences, deep connection to the natural environment and its commitment to sustainability from day one. Wickaninnish Inn was designed specifically for winter storm watching which in turn has made Tofino, BC, Canada, a year-round destination.
The global recognition further reinforces Wickaninnish Inn's position as one of North America's most esteemed destinations and reflects the dedication of its team members who consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.

PHOENIX, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BWH Hotels, a leading hospitality enterprise including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, today announced the formal launch of its new Upscale & Luxury Worldwide Sales division, a dedicated global sales organization designed to drive commercial growth across its upscale and luxury hotel properties. With the global business travel market projected to surpass $2 trillion, fueled heavily by the mainstreaming of blended business and leisure travel, BWH Hotels is committed to expanding the footprint of WorldHotels and its broader upscale segments. This new structure was created to capture this growing demand by simplifying engagement for corporate travel buyers and helping hotel owners connect with high-value business opportunities in key markets.

"The launch of this premium sales division marks a defining moment in our long-term growth vision, strengthening competitiveness in the corporate arena and reinforcing our evolution into a multi-segment global hospitality enterprise," said Chad Fletcher, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at BWH Hotels. "With the ongoing boom of bleisure travel, corporate demand continues to create immense opportunities for expansion in the upscale market. This structure allows us to capitalize on that momentum, deepening relationships with key procurement leaders and delivering profitable, high-quality business for our hoteliers."

The new global division leverages nine sales leaders with distinct regional expertise to cover the United States, spanning the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South and West Coast, as well as Canada and Europe. Operating in tandem with travel industry relations and agency engagement teams, the division will build strategic corporate agreements across key high-yield sectors – including consulting, finance, entertainment, fashion, pharmaceutical, healthcare and architectural engineering accounts – and streamline integration so that corporate buyers can easily discover, book and incorporate upscale and luxury properties into their global corporate travel programs.

Featured upscale and luxury properties within the BWH Hotels portfolio include:

• Aiden Kansas City Downtown (Kansas City, Mo,) – A new boutique hotel blending vibrant historical features with modern amenities, including a high-end fitness facility, business center and onsite restaurant.
• Aiden Surawong Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand) – A colorful urban retreat capturing the creative spirit, night markets and historic charm of the local neighborhood.
• Caribe Royale Orlando, WorldHotels Elite (Orlando, Fla.) – A sprawling all-suite resort featuring premium dining, a massive pool waterfall and flexible corporate meeting spaces.
• Eden Roc Miami Beach, WorldHotels Elite (Miami Beach, Fla.) – An iconic oceanfront resort blending timeless mid-century architecture with vibrant luxury and world-class dining.
• Eden Resort & Suites, BW Premier Collection® (Lancaster, Pa.) – An upscale destination offering expansive suites, award-winning dining and extensive lifestyle amenities.
• Hotel Gio, BW Signature Collection (Stockholm, Sweden) – A design-led hotel inspired by 1950s Italian style, offering a warm social hub for business and leisure travelers.
• Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich, WorldHotels Luxury (Zurich, Switzerland) – Located opposite the central station, providing legendary Swiss hospitality, elegant guestrooms and tailored corporate service.
• Makedonia Palace, WorldHotels Luxury (Thessaloniki, Greece) – A legendary waterfront landmark boasting panoramic sea views, contemporary premium design, and extensive convention facilities.
• Orakai Songdo Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection (Incheon, South Korea) – Overlooking Songdo Central Park, offering modern upscale accommodations and exceptional convenience for international business executives.
• The Loren Hotel Austin, WorldHotels Luxury (Austin, Texas) – A sophisticated lakeside oasis combining modern design, rooftop dining and unmatched views of the city skyline.
• The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection (Chicago, Ill.) – A historic Gold Coast gem pairing classic European elegance with contemporary luxury steps from the Magnificent Mile.

For more property information and sales inquiries, please submit an Upscale & Luxury Travel Buyer Inquiry.

Vancouver, B.C. – June 16, 2026 – Fairmont Waterfront is continuing its commitment to wellness-led travel experiences with the return of its immersive summer wellness programming. Inspired by Fairmont’s Wellness Without Walls initiative, the series invites both hotel guests and local residents to discover wellness experiences that suit every lifestyle, while reconnecting with the natural beauty that surrounds the hotel.

Launching on July 31, Fairmont Waterfront is excited to unveil the latest addition to its well-established wellness program – Sunset Float: An Immersive Sound Bath Experience – offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through seasonal dining and restorative wellness. The experience begins with ARC Restaurant + Bar's Province to Plate menu, celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients from across British Columbia. Guests will then ascend to the hotel’s rooftop pool, where they will float gently on the water’s surface while immersed in the calming vibrations of a sound bath. Set against panoramic sunset views of Vancouver’s harbour and the North Shore Mountains, the experience offers a truly unique opportunity to unwind above the city.

“Wellness means something different to everyone, which is why we continue to evolve our programming each year," said Randall Williams, General Manager, Fairmont Waterfront. “The introduction of Sunset Float marks an exciting new chapter for our wellness offerings, combining mindfulness, exceptional local cuisine and our iconic rooftop setting to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Together, with the return of guest favourites such as Board & Brunch and Soothe & Savour, it reflects our commitment to delivering memorable wellness experiences that are uniquely Vancouver.”

Continuing the hotel’s focus on mindful wellness experiences, Soothe & Savour will return on select dates throughout the summer, combining guided yoga and sound healing with ARC Restaurant + Bar’s award-winning Bottomless Brunch.

Board & Brunch will also return for select dates in June and July, and will once again be led by Fairmont Waterfront’s very own CPO (Chief Paddle Officer), Tobias Clare. The guided paddleboarding experience concludes with ARC Restaurant + Bar’s signature Bottomless Brunch, blending outdoor adventure with post-paddle indulgence.

Guests looking to incorporate wellness into their stay more casually can enjoy complimentary Poolside Yoga & Meditation sessions on Friday mornings throughout June, July and August. Set against the hotel’s stunning coastal backdrop, the sessions offer a peaceful and grounding start to the day.

As the seasons transition, Fairmont Waterfront’s popular Polar Plunge experience will once again invite guests to embrace the invigorating benefits of cold-water immersion. Led by the hotel’s CEO (Chill Experience Officer) Jodi Francks, the experience includes a guided cold dip at Third Beach in Stanley Park followed by tea, warm towels, a hot toddy, Bottomless Brunch and access to the hotel’s Health Club. Dates will be announced later this summer.

Beyond the hotel’s seasonal wellness programming, year-round wellness offerings for ALL members will continue to include complimentary access to fitness apparel and footwear through the Fairmont Fit program in partnership with Nike, guided seawall runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning, complimentary cruiser bike rentals, and access to the hotel’s heated rooftop pool, open daily throughout the year.

Whether seeking movement, mindfulness or meaningful moments in nature, Fairmont Waterfront continues to redefine urban wellness through experiences that celebrate Vancouver’s coastal surroundings and encourage guests to reconnect with themselves and the destination around them.

For more information – including upcoming dates and booking details – visit Fairmont Waterfront Events Calendar.

Best Western Plus Village Park Inn to transition to Coast Calgary University District Hotel by APA on July 01st, 2026

Vancouver, B.C. – June 16, 2026 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing hotel brands and among Canada’s largest, today announced it is in the process of acquiring the Best Western Plus Village Park Inn in Calgary, Alberta, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, the property will be rebranded as Coast Calgary University District Hotel by APA, effective July 1, 2026.

Located in Calgary’s northwest near the University District, the 160-room full-service hotel offers convenient access to the University of Calgary and McMahon Stadium, and is well positioned for both business and leisure travel. The property features on-site dining, meeting and event space, and a range of amenities designed to support group, corporate, and transient guests. It is also within close proximity to key attractions, including the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre, Canada Olympic Park, and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

“We are pleased to continue expanding our presence in Calgary with the acquisition of this well-established hotel. As our second owned property in the Calgary market, it complements our downtown location and strengthens our overall presence in the city,” said Takamasa Machiura, president and CEO of Coast Hotels Limited. “This hotel is located in a key area and aligns with our strategy of disciplined growth in important urban markets. We look forward to building on its strong foundation and welcoming guests to the Coast Hotels brand.”

The hotel will operate under the Coast Hotels brand and carry the “by APA” designation, reflecting its ownership by APA Group. Over time, the property is expected to incorporate select APA signature features, including 55-inch 4K HD televisions, TOTO® Washlets, and a range of in-room amenities aligned with APA’s Japanese hospitality approach.

This acquisition further strengthens Coast Hotels’ footprint in Alberta and underscores the company’s continued momentum in expanding its portfolio across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.