Best Western International The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® with more than 4,000 locations around the globe – has announced the topping off ceremony of the Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan on August 8, 2008, with the opening of the new luxurious resort property on schedule for February 2009.

The Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan is a beach-front property with 188 rooms overlooking the famous Jimbaran Bay. Located just 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the hotel has been specially designed to preserve the exotic environment of Bali while complementing it with elements of modern elegance and world-class amenities. Conceived as a luxury project under Best Western’s high-end “Premier” brand, the resort will especially appeal to discerning travelers who value serene tranquility, pristine nature and personal comfort.

“We are very excited about the prospect of opening The Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan next year both because it is a stunning property in its own right and it will be the first Best Western Premier Hotel in Indonesia,” said Jusuf Sawirin, Chief Area Development, Best Western Development – Indonesia. “The resort is ideally located in the heart of Bali’s leisure locale and as a Best Western Premier branded property, it embraces the superior amenities and cutting-edge facilities that are demanded by the most discerning world travelers.”

Best Western continues its ambitious expansion plans for Indonesia with the opening of 343-rooms Best Western New Kuta Condotel in Bali in December 2008 and four more hotels in line to open around the country in late 2008 and in 2009; Best Western Basko Hotel, Padang (Nov 08), Best Western Manga Dua, Jakarta (Dec 08), Best Western Premier Solo, Solo (Feb 09), and Best Western Grand Saminyak (Sep 09).

“We are confident that we will reach our goal of 20 hotels within the next three years in targeted locations, including Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, all Javanese provinces, Makassar, Kalimantan, Riau and Batam, which will ultimately make us the largest hotel chain in Indonesia,” added the executive.

Glenn de Souza, Vice President International Operations Asia, Best Western International, noted that: “Indonesia tourism continues to perform well, with international arrivals increasing by on average 10% each year. We are also seeing growing numbers of visitors from within the region and more domestic tourism.”

He continued that: “With Bali recognized worldwide for its natural beauty and rich culture, the Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan is ideally positioned to attract travelers looking for first-class accommodation and superior services.”

“Meanwhile, we are continuing to aggressively pursue new projects in Southeast Asia and emerging markets in Indochina and the Best Western Premier brand shows particular promise,” he added. “Moreover, as a unique collection of hotels & resorts, Best Western Premier properties will offer higher quality accommodation across Asia with a concept of Simple Luxury Premier Life.”

Best Western International currently has over 130 hotels and resorts in Asia in various stages of rebranding, construction, and operation, with plans to bring its total portfolio in the region to 200 hotels by 2010.
Lying between Java and Lombok, the island of Bali is renowned for its silvery sand beaches, stunning sunsets and dramatic culture. Lush and languid, the island is so picturesque it could almost be a painted backdrop. Rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests teem with wildlife, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.