Best Western International today announced it has set an industry record for gross bookings on its http://www.bestwestern.com/ web site in 2005. The company has recorded $1 million, or more, in online reservations 70 days this year. Through March,
the company has experienced 52 percent growth in worldwide revenue via
the bestwestern.com site from the same time period a year ago.“On average, Best Western books $1 million of revenue through its web site every other day,” said David Kong, president and chief executive officer
for Best Western International. “This is a clear indication that our
strategy to focus on electronic channels and capitalize on the rebounding
travel market is paying great dividends.”

Among the most recent improvements to the bestwestern.com site is the
addition of translated content. One-hundred percent of the company’s
online hotel and booking information is now available in French, German,
Italian and International Spanish. Additionally, all hotel property
listings and reservations web pages for Asia, Australia, Hawaii,
Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan are available in simplified
Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Currently, Internet bookings comprise close to 50 percent of all Best
Western reservations. The company’s global web bookings have grown an
average of 54 percent per year during the past five years. Part of Best
Western’s electronic distribution strategy entails major enhancements to
its web site, including a complete redesign, 360 degree virtual tours and
packages. The enhancements are scheduled to be rolled out later in 2005.
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