Best Western to launch in Burma


Best Western International has announced plans to launch its famous hotel brand in the world’s most exciting emerging market, Myanmar.

The ‘World’s Largest Hotel Chain®’ has sealed an agreement to take over the management of the Green Hill Hotel, a modern new property located in the heart of Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon.

In doing so, Best Western International becomes the first US hotel company to establish a presence in Myanmar, following the exciting recent developments that have allowed the country to welcome new foreign investment.

The six-month-old Green Hill Hotel, which features 189 light, contemporary rooms and suites, will now be operated by Best Western International under its midscale BEST WESTERN brand. And the company’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia and the Middle East, Glenn de Souza, said he believes the company’s international management expertise will provide a huge boost for the fledgling hotel.

“There is no doubt that Myanmar is one of the world’s hottest hotel markets at present, with a major increase in new hotel supply needed to cater for a huge influx of guests. So it is vital that hotel owners in the country choose the right partners to ensure optimum performance at their properties,” Mr. de Souza said.

“We are confident that Best Western International’s proven track record in the Asian hotel market, along with our highly skilled management and staff, will enable the Green Hill Hotel to not only increase occupancy and average rates, but also broaden its geographical guest mix.

“Best Western International wants to form long and lasting partnerships in Myanmar; we want to be here for the long-term, to help grow the country’s tourism industry. Our partnership with the Green Hill Hotel is just the start of our plans for Myanmar,” Mr. de Souza added.

The Green Hill Hotel is located in the Tamwe Township area of central Yangon, just 15 minutes’ drive from the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda. The hotel’s 189 air-conditioned rooms all feature 32-inch flat-screen televisions with international satellite channels, bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

A bright, contemporary restaurant serves a selection of Chinese, Asian and international cuisine, while the property also offers meeting room facilities for business travelers.

The launch of Best Western International’s first hotel in Myanmar means the company now has a presence in nine of the ten countries that form the ASEAN region. Best Western International is planning to announce further developments in Myanmar in the near future.