PHOENIX, Sept. 23, 2011 -- Building on the success of Best Western International's adoption of its three product descriptors – BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER – in North America, the hotel chain today announced the introduction of its BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel type internationally

The WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM) now has 41 BEST WESTERN PLUS properties open outside of North America, with more than 60 additional BEST WESTERN PLUS hotels expected to be open internationally by the end of 2011. The largest concentration of BEST WESTERN PLUS properties are currently in Europe, with 28 currently welcoming guests. There are also eight BEST WESTERN PLUS hotels in Australia and at least one BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel open in Asia, South America and Africa.

BEST WESTERN PLUS hotels were initially introduced in North America in February, 2011 as part of the brand's descriptors program, which classifies Best Western's more than 2,200 North American properties into one of three types based on the hotels' product experience: BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS or BEST WESTERN PREMIER. The adoption of descriptors has been the biggest change in Best Western's 65-year history and helps provide travelers a better understanding of what is offered at each individually owned and operated Best Western hotel so they can choose the right hotel for every type of trip.

"By introducing three types of Best Western hotels globally we are more clearly defining our hotel brand, which will ultimately lead to increased guest satisfaction, loyalty and bookings for Best Western's member hoteliers," said David Kong, Best Western International's president and CEO. "By introducing our BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel offering internationally, we are bringing that same level of clarity to our entire hotel family and ensuring travelers will be able to choose the right Best Western for their needs, wherever they are in the world."

BEST WESTERN PLUS hotels are upper midscale properties that offer a superior accommodation experience, offering enhanced additional services and amenities. While BEST WESTERN PLUS hotels are new to the international hotel landscape, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER descriptor has been used successfully in Europe, Asia and South America for more than a decade. BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotels are upscale hotels that offer luxury at the right price. BEST WESTERN hotels are midscale properties that offer guests great value without the cookie-cutter experience.
Guests can learn more about each descriptor through virtual tours, extensive photos and enhanced search functionality at www.bestwestern.com and www.bestwestern.com/hotel-types

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in more than 90* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts hundreds of thousands each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has 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 biggest 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.