PHOENIX, July 22, 2010 -- Best Western International expands its presence in Africa with the opening of three new hotels, including the Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel in Accra, Ghana, the Best Western Island Beach Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Best Western Port Harcourt Hotel in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

"Best Western membership is a great option for hotel developers in Africa, who want to retain local character in their properties, yet leverage the sales, marketing and brand recognition of a strong global brand," said Suzi Yoder, vice president of international operations.  "We see great potential for continued growth in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa – particularly in west African nations like Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon."

The Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel in Ghana is a newly-built four-star hotel located in one of Accra's most affluent areas 5 minutes from the Kotoka International Airport.  With 89 rooms and 24 suites, each guestroom features free high-speed internet access, mini-bars, flat-screen LCD televisions and bathrobes. The hotel's centerpiece is its five-story atrium decorated with African art. It offers 24-hour concierge service, complimentary airport transportation and an on-site restaurant, bar and jazz club.
  
The Best Western Island Beach Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, is also newly constructed. The property is located in the heart of Lagos' financial and business hub on Victoria Island's Bar Beach, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel's 142 guestrooms and suites offer free high-speed internet access, mini-bars and 32-inch flat-screen televisions. The hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge with free breakfast and 24-hour room service.

Also in Nigeria, the Best Western Port Harcourt Hotel in Port Harcourt opened in 2008 and recently received significant upgrades that will help it earn Best Western's "Premier" status this year.  The hotel offers 89 guestrooms and suites and meeting space for up to 200 people. On-site amenities include a restaurant, cocktail lounge, fitness center, gift shop and outdoor pool. Guests receive complimentary high-speed internet access and free breakfast.  

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated Best Western, Best Western Plus™ and Best Western Premier® hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.