Best Western International Expects to be Largest Hotel Chain in Asia by 2010
September 07 2007 - 11:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
PHOENIX, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Western International,
already the fastest-growing hotel chain in Asia, has its sights on
becoming the largest hotel chain on the continent within three
years. Over the next six months, Best Western will sign 17 new
hotel contracts in China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, among
other countries, and is on pace to have more than 200 properties by
2010. The chain's Asia presence has expanded from just six hotels
in 2001 to 106 today. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030627/BESTWESTERNLOGO) "As
the world's largest hotel chain, we bring scale, reach and a
billion-dollar reservations system to our international partners,"
said David Kong, Best Western president and CEO. The brand's global
sales and marketing initiatives, quality assurance programs, and
Gold Crown Club International loyalty program make it popular with
Asian developers and hoteliers, he said. While most of the chain's
North American hotels are considered to be in the mid-market
segment, Best Western is positioning itself as a four-star chain in
Asia. This is consistent with an overall growth strategy of
increasing brand awareness in new markets by building high-caliber,
highly-visible hotels -- a strategy that is being implemented
successfully in China and India. Best Western currently has
properties in 12 Asian countries, including: -- China. In five
years, Best Western will have 50 hotels in the country, including
two slated to open in Beijing before the 2008 Summer Olympics. --
India. The chain recently signed a new master licensing agreement
that is expected to bring 100 hotels and 10,000 rooms to India over
the next decade. -- South Korea. Best Western has 11 hotels and is
the country's largest and fastest-growing hotel chain. -- Thailand.
With 11 resort-style properties, Best Western is also the largest
hotel brand in Thailand. Best Western's Asia headquarters is
located in Bangkok. -- Japan. Seventeen hotels are under
development in the country. When completed, the new properties will
add nearly 3,000 hotel rooms to the system. -- Indonesia. Four
hotel contracts will be signed in the next six months. The brand
recently established a development office in the country. --
Vietnam. This country is targeted for growth; two hotels in popular
tourist destinations -- Nha Trang and Dalat -- are under
development. The chain also is operating or developing hotels in
Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Israel and Bahrain, with plans to
expand in the Middle East. Best Western selects areas for
development based on economic indicators, technological
infrastructure and the education and income levels of the
population. ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL Best Western
International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R), providing
marketing, reservations and operational support to 4,200*
independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and
territories worldwide. Founded in 1946, this iconic brand is host
to approximately 400,000 worldwide guests each night. A pioneer
within the industry, Best Western is recognized for its distinctive
business model and diverse hotel portfolio. The company continues
to innovate and enhance both the business and leisure travel
experience. For more information or to make a reservation, please
visit http://www.bestwestern.com/. *Numbers are approximate and can
fluctuate. Contacts: Marie Yarroll Marcus Gamo Best Western
International Allison & Partners (602) 957-5750 (415) 277-4925
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030627/BESTWESTERNLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Best Western International
CONTACT: Marie Yarroll of Best Western International,
+1-602-957-5750, ; or Marcus Gamo of Allison & Partners,
+1-415-277-4925, , for Best Western International Web site:
http://www.bestwestern.com/
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