PHOENIX, Jan. 28, 2000�With the merger with UK-based Consort Hotels finalized this month, Best Western International will offer more than 4,100 hotels around the globe.  Continued international expansion has become a key focus for executives of the world�s single largest lodging brand.

In 1999, Best Western made first-time ventures into such countries as French Guiana, Tunisia, Lebanon, Romania, Nepal, Poland, Nicaragua and Peru and has reentered into business in Vietnam.

Wrapping up 1999 and on into 2000, the company�s continued focus will be development efforts primarily in Southeast Asia and South America.  Recently, Best Western opened its first hotels in China and welcomed four new hotels in Japan.  In South America, Best Western added 14 new hotels last year alone.

�We are adding sales offices in Southeast Asia to help in our expansion efforts,� says Jim Evans, president and ceo of Best Western.  �We are also in the final stages of completing our new Asian Central Reservations Office located in Sydney, Australia to assist in the increased reservation traffic from that area of the world.�