Best Western International is already the 'World's Largest Hotel Chain®', but it is always seeking to expand into exciting new markets. One of the hottest hotel markets in the world right now is Myanmar (Burma), and Best Western has confirmed plans to tap the enormous potential this stunning country has to offer.
Speaking about the opportunities afforded in Myanmar, Best Western's Vice President of International Operations for Asia & the Middle East, Glenn de Souza, said the recent emergence of the country had left it in urgent need of quality, international accommodation.
"The pace of development in Myanmar over the past few years has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Mr. de Souza. "The progressive range of new government policies introduced since the elections of 2010, plus the relaxation of economic sanctions, has reduced boundaries to investment. And crucially, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's support for inbound tourism has created huge demand for travel to the country.
"It is estimated that international visitor arrivals to Myanmar will reach 1.5 million in 2013, up 50% from 2012, and this is likely to increase exponentially in the years to come. Airlines including Qatar Airways, AirAsia, China Airlines, Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines are have all relaunched services to the country, further fuelling the tourism boom.