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Brand in Third Quarter; Quality standards, uniqueness and low affiliation costs key |
PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2001- Best Western
added 69 hotels to its worldwide portfolio in the third fiscal quarter
ending August 31 bringing the company's total number of hotels to 4,065
in 82 countries and territories. Of the new additions, 31 were North
American and 38 were international hotels.
"As globalization is a key driver in today's marketplace, a well recognized brand name is a powerful asset," said Suzi MacDonald, vice president of International Operations for Best Western. "By the same token, consumers are looking for both value and a quality experience. Our brand continues to thrive because it offers developers the opportunity to retain the individual local flavor of their property while adding the strength of being associated with the world's largest hotel chain." In North America, Best Western is following its development plan of adding hotels in areas where the brand was underrepresented and to increase the number of new-builds. Newly constructed properties accounted for 45 percent of the Best Western hotels signed in the third quarter. "We continue to see tremendous opportunities to develop Best Westerns in strategic markets," said Mark Williams, vice president of North American Development for Best Western. "To date, we have added hotels in California, Texas, South Carolina and New York." "Hoteliers and developers continue to seek out membership in our brand
due to our quality standards, a highly successful advertising campaign
and the lowest fees in terms of benefits versus affiliation costs," Williams
added.
During the third quarter, the company also launched the first phase of its new global minimum standards program-BestRequests(tm). BestRequests(tm) amenities and services include:
BestRequests(tm) are now offered in all Best Western hotels in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean beginning Oct. 1 and will be implemented internationally by Jan. 1, 2002. Best Western International is the world's largest hotel chain with nearly 4,100 hotels in 82 countries and territories. It is a membership organization of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members. |
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Contact:
Tiffany Collins
Media Relations Specialist Best Western International (602) 957-5752 phone (602) 957-5641 fax [email protected] |
Also See | Best Western Expecting to Add 20 hotels in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia / June 2001 |