Best Western Plans To Add 300+ Hotels By End Of 2002

PHOENIX— Best Western announced aggressive expansion initiatives for the 2002 fiscal year. The companys development team is said to be focusing on key international gateways and 35 North American cities that are underserved by Best Western. In total, the hotel chain plans to add more than 300 hotels around the globe. In 2002, the international team heading Best Westerns development labors will continue to seek new areas of representation and will continue to focus attention on Asia, South America, the South Pacific and Western Europe, said the company. Targeted additions will be led by Australia, where Best Western officials hope to bring in 30 new Best Westerns, 22 in South America, followed by France with 20, 15 in Great Britain, 14 in Asia and 10 each in New Zealand and Germany. In all, Best Western officials anticipate adding 189 international locations. In North America, development numbers have been consistent year-over-year with the overall goal of signing new Best Westerns in markets where the brand has been traditionally underrepresented, said the company. The development team has attracted more high-profile properties that are scheduled to open this year including: the Best Western Hospitality House, New York, NY, a 35 two- and three-room all-suite hotel; the Best Western Thunderbird, North Miami Beach, FL, a 180-room, full-service, beachside hotel; the Best Western South Beach, Miami Beach, FL, a 138-room hotel; and the Best Western Hotel Chateau Bleau, Coral Gables, FL offering 118 rooms.