Best Western Acquires Luxury Brand, WorldHotels

Image: (Courtesy of Savoy Hotel Buenos Aires, WorldHotels Collection)
Image: (Courtesy of Savoy Hotel Buenos Aires, WorldHotels Collection)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 12:38 PM ET, Mon February 18, 2019

Today, Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced that it has acquired WorldHotels, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts around the world.

There are about 300 unique properties under the WorldHotels banner, making this a monumental acquisition for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, especially in terms of offering Best Western consumers upscale and luxurious booking options.

"There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels. By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies," said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "I have the utmost respect for WorldHotels and believe in its vast potential."

According to a press release, WorldHotels will maintain its upscale branding but will benefit from Best Western's E-Commerce platform, loyalty program, sales and marketing support, partnerships, revenue engines and global distribution network.

"Best Western is one of the largest, most respected and trusted hotel brands," said Geoff Andrew, CEO, WorldHotels.

"As we join forces, the combined power of our brands sets the stage for a bright future for both Best Western and WorldHotels. Through its established senior leadership team and regional presence in each market, Best Western brings a new level of expertise that will undoubtedly help grow the WorldHotels brand in key markets."

Kong added, "In the coming months, our focus will be to unlock WorldHotels' potential by improving revenue delivery to its hotels while protecting its independent identity. We truly believe our platform and revenue engines will benefit WorldHotels and attract many more independence-minded, quality hotels to join the brand. We are very pleased that Geoff Andrew will continue as CEO of WorldHotels for the foreseeable future."

In 2018, Best Western underwent a brand refresh and began marketing to business travelers in innovative ways. It was also named one of the world's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and added 13 dynamic brands to its portfolio.

With WorldHotels under their belt, Best Western is sure to see more growth and new changes in 2019.


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