Hotel industry veteran Sudhir Sinha has joined leading hotel chain Best Western India as President and Chief Operating Officer. The appointment is an integral part of the chain’s expansion plans in India.

Mr. Sinha brings a wealth of experience of spanning over 22 years in the hospitality and service industry. Prior to this, Mr. Sinha was Vice-President of Development and Franchise Services at Choice Hotels for seven years. Mr. Sinha achieved a record franchise development feat by adding twenty new hotels to the Choice Hotels’ in 24 months.Mr. Sinha has also handled diversified business operations at several companies including International Travel House (an ITC Group company), CLG Hotels & Resorts, South Asian Hotels & Resorts, and Abercrombie & Kent India.

Best Western India, a part of the world’s largest hotel chain Best Western International (BWI) is on an impressive expansion spree and has grown from a portfolio of six hotels, to 20 hotels. Of these, seven are fully operational while the rest are fast nearing completion.The Best Western India footprint now includes BW Capitol Hotel, located in the heart of Bangalore, extending its presence in the fast growing city.

By the end of the year, BW Marickar Hotels & Suites, Nedumbassery in Cochin will be operational after renovation, while new properties in Neral and Ratnagiri will follow soon thereafter.2009 is expected to be an important year for the Best Western brand, as a Signet Hotels 4-star, 100 room property in Navi Mumbai will be launched towards the latter half of the year.2009 will also see the opening of another Signet Hotels property in Electronic City, Bangalore.

Welcoming Mr. Sinha to the Best Western fold, David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western International said, “India is a very important development market for Best Western International. Mr. Sinha is a key addition to the talented team of Best Western India and will help make Best Western the preferred hotel brand in India." Dr. Prabhu Goel, Co-Chairman and CEO of Best Western India, said, “These are exciting times for Best Western in India. We are well positioned to leverage the anticipated long-term growth in the industry, and we are glad to have Sudhir with us in this period. With his experience and in-depth understanding across the hospitality industry, we are certain that he will further drive the expansion of our brand and help us realize our aggressive growth plans for India.”

Speaking on his appointment Mr. Sinha said, “I am excited to be part of a professionally managed and fast growing international chain like Best Western. I am looking forward to utilizing my experience to strengthening the Best Western brand besides strengthening our already established partnerships in India.”

In 2007 Best Western International, Inc. entered the Indian market through master licensee Cabana Hotel Management Pvt. Ltd. The collaboration will add more than 100 hotels and 10,000 rooms to the burgeoning Indian hospitality market over the next decade. Cabana Hotels is planning a major investment of more than $1.2 billion in Best Western-branded hotels, including the building or converting hotels at 3, 4, and 5-star levels in markets including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Ooty, Rameshwaram, Hyderabad, Kanyakumari.

- End -

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INDIA

Best Western India is part of THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®. Best Western India is expanding from 7 properties now to 12 properties by Q2, 2009. With an active pipeline in place, the expected footprint is 20 properties by 2009 year-end, and 100 hotels in the next decade. For more information or to make a reservation at a Best Western India property, please visit www.bestwesternindia.com.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to 4,200* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. Founded in 1946, this iconic brand is host to approximately 400,000 worldwide guests each night. A pioneer within the industry, Best Western is recognized for its distinctive business model and diverse hotel portfolio. The company continues to innovate and enhance both the business and leisure travel experience.