Best Western International continues to experience growth in its North American development, with 130 to 140 properties expected in 2014. The percentage of new-build hotel projects is rising, as nearly 45 percent of the brand’s 2014–2015 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,” says David Kong, Best Western president and CEO. “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.”
Globally, more than 60 percent of hotels in the brand’s pipeline are new construction. Among the fastest growing markets are Africa, Indonesia, and Brazil-where Best Western 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 debut this year.
