Best Western International NEW

Best Western International expects to strengthen its North American development pipeline in 2013 with 110 to 120 properties either constructed or converted, with more than 80 percent of these hotels expected to be a BEST WESTERN PREMIER or BEST WESTERN PLUS. More than 40 percent of Best Western's 2013 development pipeline will be new construction projects, up from 35 percent in 2012 and will add more than 10,800 guestrooms to the Best Western system. In addition, Best Western hoteliers inNorth Americaare expected to invest approximately$70 millionin property upgrades this year.

Ten to 15 of these projects will include the hotel brand's new extended-stay prototype, which is being introduced in response to growing interest from existing Best Western owners and developer interest. These new accommodations will offer flexible guestrooms designed for longer stays, making up 20 to 100 percent of each property's room mix.

"A resurgence in confidence from developers coupled with strong demand for rooms in gateway cities and an elevated interest in developing within the midscale market will translate to a successful year for the Best Western brand," saidMark Williams, vice president of North American development for Best Western International. "Our priority is to develop compelling hotels across all three Best Western descriptors that deliver strong revenue for hoteliers by attracting a strong mix of business and leisure travelers."

Best Western is currently developing new hotels in cities acrossNorth AmericaincludingOakland, Calif.,HoustonandCincinnati, as well as oil-rich markets inTexasandAlberta, Canada. The hotel brand plans to introduce in early 2013 its first PREMIER hotel inManhattan, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER New York City Herald Square.

The World's Largest Hotel Chain also plans to unveil several properties in the Caribbeanthis year, including the BEST WESTERN PLUS Condado Palm Inn & Suites in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a vibrant 151-room hotel complete with a restaurant, nightlife offerings, outdoor pool and free breakfast, and its first hotel in Haiti, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Petion-Ville,. OverlookingPort-au-Prince, the 106-room luxury hotel will offer fine dining, a full-service spa, pool and meeting and event space. Additionally, in 2014 a BEST WESTERN PREMIER property will open in Gazcue,Santo Domingo in theDominican Republic.

To preview other Best Western development plans, please visit bestwesterndevelopers.com, or to research existing properties in the system please visit bestwestern.com.

About BWH Hotel Group®

BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.