BANGKOK – Best Western International plans to take its Vietnam hotel portfolio from 729 rooms currently to 2,050 rooms within 2012.
“Our aim is to have a hotel in all the key areas across the country to serve sharply growing demand from both business and leisure travellers,” said international development manager – Asia, Rashane Sala-Ngarm.
“Our experience in similar markets in Asia makes us confident that our Best Western brand is exactly what the customer wants when they visit this amazing country.”
Sala-Ngarm said strong government backing for tourism development made Vietnam a place “you can be confident in when planning ahead and increased flights by low-cost carriers are injecting more energy into the mix”.
Kevin Corlor, director, Best Western business development, Vietnam, said, “From our perspective, there is still plenty of upside for development; this is not a mature market yet.
“It is the best time to be expanding (in Vietnam). With strong government backing, the country is in the process of opening up to the world through its WTO commitments as never before.”
Currently, Best Western has one property operating in Vietnam, with another – Best Western Muong Thanh in Hanoi – to join its portfolio later this week.
Best Western also has three hotels at various stages of development and due to open in 2010. These are Best Western Sapaly Hotel, Lao Cai; Best Western Premier Nha Trang Plaza and Best Western Dalat Plaza Hotel.
