News · The Leading Hotels of the World
Seoul Hosts LHW Asia-Pacific Membership Summit
The Shilla Seoul recently hosted the 2026 LHW Asia-Pacific Membership Meeting, marking the first time this significant gathering has been held on Asian soil. Leaders from independent luxury hotels across the region convened to discuss the evolving landscape of high-end hospitalit
Hotel executives from The Shilla Seoul and LHW, including CEO Shannon Knapp, pose for a group photo at The Shilla Seoul's guest house.
On June 4, 2026, The Shilla Seoul welcomed representatives from The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) Asia-Pacific member properties for their annual summit. Seoul Economic Daily reports that approximately 60 luxury hotel executives, including LHW CEO Shannon Knapp, attended the event at the hotel's Jangchung-dong guest house.
LHW, established in New York in 1928, operates as a global alliance exclusively for independent luxury hotels. Membership requires exceeding a stringent screening process. The cartel currently comprises around 400 five-star establishments spanning over 80 countries.
Our take: This event underscores Seoul's growing prominence as a luxury hospitality hub. For LHW, bringing its regional meeting to Asia for the first time is a strategic move, acknowledging the continent's dynamic market and the increasing influence of its luxury properties. It signifies a clear focus on strengthening ties within this critical growth area.
Source : Seoul Economic Daily
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