Mark Williams speaks out on Best Western’s 2010 plans for Canada

Mark Williams, Best Western

PHOENIX, AZ—Best Western International plans to grow its hotel portfolio by more than 120 new properties and 10,000 rooms in 2010 in top-tier markets including Calgary, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, New York and Denver, by targeting independent and former-chain hotels.  While in 2009 – 40 percent of all new-to-the chain hotels were conversions, six out of every 10 will be conversions in 2010. 

More than 25 Atrea prototypes are in the works, with seven expected to open in 2010. The upper mid-scale hotels are under development in a number of major metropolitan markets, and debuted in five markets in 2009.

Canadian Lodging News asked Mark Williams, Best Western’s VP of development for North America, about the Canadian portion of Best Western’s expansion.

CLN: How many hotels did Best Western open in Canada in 2009?
 
Williams: There are currently 185 Best Western properties in Canada, and five percent of Best Western properties are located in Canada. Best Western opened 12 hotels in Canada in 2009:

o Best Western Jasper Inn in Jasper, AB;
o Best Western Wine Country Hotel & Suites in Westbank, BC;
o Best Western Bonnyville Inn & Suites in Bonnyville, AB;
o Best Western Royal Brock Hotel & Conference Center in Guelph, ON;
o Best Western Sunrise Inn & Suites in Stony Plain, AB;
o Best Western Liverpool Hotel & Conference Center in Liverpool, NS;
o Best Western Wainwright Inn & Suites in Wainwright, AB;
o Best Western Hotel Dynastie in Mont Laurier, QC;
o Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel in Rimbey, AB;
o Best Western Hudson’s Hope Inn & Suites in Hudson’s Hope, BC;
o Best Western Fox Creek Inn & Suites in Fox Creek, AB; and
o Best Western South Edmonton Inn & Suites in South Edmonton, AB.

CLN: Where were they located?  How many rooms do they have? How many were the Atrea prototype?
 
Williams: Seven are located in Alberta, two are in British Columbia, one is in Quebec, one is in Ontario, and one is in Nova Scotia. All 12 hotel openings added an additional 1,008 rooms to the Best Western system.  

There are two Atreas in the proposed construction phase in Alberta (they have not broken ground); they are located in Calgary and Edmonton.

Best Western Royal Brock Hotel, Guelph

CLN: What expansion plans does Best Western have for Canada in the next couple of years?
 
Williams: Best Western is looking to develop in major cities in Alberta and the Atlantic provinces. Best Western will be looking to open additional Atrea prototypes in the future in key markets, including Calgary and Edmonton as well.  
 
CLN: What is the status of Canadian hotels currently in the pipeline and/or under construction?
 
Williams: Best Western currently has three properties under construction, with two in Alberta (Edmonton and High Level, just outside of Calgary) and one in Winnipeg. Two Atrea prototypes, are in the proposed construction phase in Alberta, and should open by 2011.
 
CLN: How does Best Western view the Canadian market as opposed to other international markets?
 
Williams: The Canadian market is a well-established market for Best Western when compared to other international markets such as Africa, Asia or South America. Our brand is well respected in Canada – and in fact, we were just named a most trusted brand in the hotel category, which is a testament to the quality of our properties in Canada and the commitment our hoteliers have to their guests. Canada is also on the leading edge of green initiatives and service to our business customers.
 
CLN: Which areas of Canada are ripe for expansion and why?
 
Williams: Alberta and Atlantic Canada are key markets for Best Western development plans. Alberta has been strong for hotel development due to the oil and gas market. We’ve also built great relationships with developers in Atlantic Canada, and been doing well there the last few years.