4/30/2002 PHOENIX å—Today, www.bestwestern.com, recognized for its ease of use and well-organized navigation, is relaunching with a new look and more features making it one of the most comprehensive hotel Web sites in the business.

As part of the relaunch, the site will feature added functionality. A section titled, “Travel Professionals” has been added for travel agents, group and meeting travel planners. Users will see information directly related to their area of interest including program specifics, links and contact details.

Gold Crown Club International members, Best Western’s frequent guest program, will now be able to access the members-only Web site via the site as well. Guests will be able to enter their member number and check point balances, read about program updates and see members-only specials worldwide.

Best Western’s “Trip Planner” function has also been enhanced. In addition to mapping and booking functions previously available, the section will feature a “World Clock” to check time changes for their destination and a “Check Weather” option that allows guests to gauge the local weather conditions before leaving on their trip. International travelers will also appreciate the “Currency Converter” which enables guests to see the latest conversion rates around the world.

For the adventurous traveler, the Trip Planner will also provide suggested driving trips under the “On The Road With Best Western” heading. Users will find routes, maps, things to see and do and links to the reservation pages for the highlighted city.

“As technology continues to evolve, it is important for Best Western to stay abreast of such changes,” said Judy Sprott, manager of Internet Marketing for Best Western International. “As the world’s largest hotel chain, people expect us to be ahead of the game. More and more customers are reaching us via our Web site and we want to make a memorable first and lasting impression.”
The new look will still include old favorites such as the “Newsroom” for journalists seeking information about the company, “Special Offers” featuring deals or promotions offered worldwide and the most requested feature, the “Rates and Reservations” booking feature.
Best Western International is the world’s largest hotel chain with more than 4,000 hotels in 80 countries and territories. Best Western is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members.

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