Western expands into Laos with appointment of area development partnership - Samakomlao Main

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TOPIC: Western expands into Laos with appointment of area development partnership

BruceLaoMan

Date: Sep 22, 2008

Western expands into Laos with appointment of area development partnership	Permalink

Best Western International – The World’s Largest Hotel Chain(R) - has set its sites on an aggressive program of expansion into Laos with the appointment of an area development partnership headed by Mr. Oudet Souvannavong. Answering to a marked increase in tourism and demand for accommodation, the global hotel and resort brand has identified the country as one of its key strategic growth markets throughout the region, the others being Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Middle East, the Philippines, and Thailand. “We are very excited to stand on the threshold of opening up Laos as a new territory for Best Western,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western Vice President International Operations Asia. “Laos is a beautiful country with myriad scenic attractions that are as yet largely untapped. A deeply ingrained tradition of hospitality, coupled with two world heritage sites and exquisite culture in Luang Prabang and Pakse and the country has understandably become an increasingly attractive tourism destination. Already, it ranks among the top five most visited countries in the Asean region and it undoubtedly has considerable potential to go much further. All this underlines the need for the international standard accommodation for which Best Western is recognized as an industry leader world-wide.” “Growing a portfolio of strategically located hotels all around Laos through Mr. Oudet will key into Best Western International’s goal of becoming the largest hotel chain in Asia, which is already our fastest-growing region,” the executive added. “So far, we have 133 properties in various stages of operations, rebranding, refurbishment and construction around Asia, where we are positioned as mid-range and upscale hotels and resorts. This year, Best Western established its first foothold in the Middle East market and is growing rapidly in Southeast Asia and Indochina. Our overall target is to add another 80 hotels in the region in three years.” “Looking at the way tourism is growing in Laos, we are confident of opening five Best Western hotels in key locations there within the same timeframe.” Mr. Oudet is Vice President of the Laos Chamber of Commerce, President of Laos Hotel and Restaurant Association, owner/general manager of Tai Pan hotel in Vientiane, owner of Café Indochine restaurant Vientiane, and owner of Mixai Techno Engineering and Consulting. As such, Mr. Oudet is very involved with the hotel and restaurant industries in Laos and is very well connected. The new Area Development Office under Mr. Oudet will work closely with the Best Western International development team at their Asia Head office in Bangkok. ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Best Western's diverse property portfolio, its greatest strength, stems from a business model designed to give owners maximum flexibility to address market-specific needs. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a five-year mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. Since 2004, Best Western has served as the Official Hotel of NASCAR(R). For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com http://www.thaipr.net/nc/readnews.aspx?newsid=3E3A5ED92FF132C161E3672D3AD4A1C1 __________________

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