News for the Hospitality Executive |
Best Western Positioning Itself as a Four Star Chain in
Asia While Most
North American Hotels are Considered to Be in the Mid-market
Segment
.
PHOENIX, Sept. 7, 2007 - 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.
"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:
Best Western selects areas for development based on economic indicators, technological infrastructure and the education and income levels of the population. 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. |
Contact:
Marie Yarroll
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