Best Western International NEW

Best Western International continues to experience robust growth in the brand's North American development pipeline, with 130 to 140 properties expected to be added in 2014, the brand announced today at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS). The percentage of new-build hotel projects are also on the uptick, as almost 45 percent of Best Western's 2014-15 pipeline will be new construction, up from 40 percent in 2013 and 35 percent in 2012.

"The new hotel construction market continues to see a steady rebound in North America, particularly in the midscale and upper-midscale markets," said Best Western President and CEO David Kong. "Because we offer distinctly different hotel types within those categories, we are really in that 'sweet spot' for lenders and developers where we can offer them the type of projects they are looking for right now."

Now entering its third year since launching in North America, Best Western's descriptor strategy continues to be a tremendous success. Of the new projects in Best Western's North American pipeline, nearly 65 percent are expected to be BEST WESTERN PLUS® or BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotel types. The diversity of the brand's hotel offerings has also helped open new development doors in key gateway and getaway destinations. In 2013 Best Western opened its first PREMIER property in Manhattan, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Herald Square, and new properties in Toronto and Fort Lauderdale will open in 2014.

Link to Best Western Development Video

International Development

A similar growth story is playing out for Best Western globally, where more than 60 percent of the hotels in the pipeline are new construction. Among the fastest growing markets for the brand are Africa, Indonesia and Brazil – where Best Western recently announced plans to add 30 new properties in the next five years. Meanwhile Erbil, Iraq and Colombo, Sri Lanka are among the emerging hotel destinations where Best Western will open the brand's first property in 2014.

"Around the world we are seeing more developers embrace the idea of going with an international hotel brand, because of all the advantages it offers such as global loyalty programs, sales and marketing support and superior distribution channels. Best Western is unique in that we offer all those big brand advantages, while still giving the owner or operator the freedom to customize their hotel to meet their specific market needs, " said Best Western Senior Vice President of Development and Member Services Ron Pohl. "I think it's this dual offering that has allowed us to expand our international footprint so rapidly, and to penetrate exciting and underserved markets like Haiti or Iraq."

2013 Development Milestones

2013 was among the most successful years for Best Western's development efforts in the brand's history. Noteworthy achievements in 2013 include:

  • 107 new hotel agreements signed in North America, representing nearly 9,000 hotel rooms
  • 40 percent of North American properties have gone through the brand's Design Excellence program and in 2013 hotels invested approximately $70 million in property upgrades
  • Expanding the brand's global footprint into multiple new countries including Haiti, Kenya, Kuwait and Myanmar
  • Opened the 200th international BEST WESTERN PLUS; there are 1,108 BEST WESTERN PLUS properties open in 47 countries
  • 150 BEST WESTERN PREMIER properties open globally
  • Membership renewal rate continues to be 98 percent, reflective of the tremendous value the brand provides to its hoteliers
For more information on global development opportunities with Best Western International, please visit bestwesterndevelopers.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.

Laura Cherry
Senior Manager Public Relations
602.957.5668
BWH Hotels