BW Wraps Up 1999 Stronger Than Ever
Best Western International concluded 1999 with more than a few notable achievements. Most importantly was the eclipsing of the 4,000-hotel mark, making the brand undisputedly the largest, single brand in the industry.
Best Western saw a net growth of 157 properties last year. However, 32 properties were terminated for a variety of reasons, most notably design and quality deficiencies as a result of the tightening quality control standards.
In North America, 55 percent of the additions were new constructions and 45 percent were conversions. Additionally, North America represents 30 percent of the overall growth of the brand.
Internationally, the following countries and regions represent areas of new development for the brand in 1999: Lebanon, Romania, Poland, Tunisia and French Guiana. There also was reentrance into Vietnam after a several year absence.
Under the leadership of the seven-member board of directors, led my Mike Scholz and President and CEO Jim Evans, the brand began a renaissance that is sure to last well into the future. This should result in continued growth, especially in Asia and South America.
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Best Western International is the world’s largest hotel chain with more than 4,000 hotels in 88 countries and territories. It is a membership organization of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its member hotels.
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