Best Western International and AAA/CAA Continue Long Term Partnership

PHOENIX, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AAA and CAA have renewed their agreement with Best Western International for three additional years through 2013, extending the partnership initiated in 2007.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030627/BESTWESTERNLOGO)

As part of the Preferred Lodging Partner agreement, Best Western and AAA/CAA will continue to leverage the mutual strengths of their iconic brands and road-travel heritage through channels including the associations' Approved Lodging, Official Appointment, TourBook, travel agency, AAA.com and Show Your Card & Save® programs. The partnership continues to provide Best Western greater access to the more than 52 million AAA/CAA members and their respective clubs. In addition, Best Western will retain extensive usage rights to the AAA/CAA brand and logo in its related advertising/promotional activities.

According to D.K. Shifflet & Associates, AAA members spent $40 billion on overnight accommodations in 2009, representing 36 percent of all overnight accommodation spending by all US travelers.

"Best Western hotels are located everywhere from seaside resorts and national parks, from major cities to small towns, and across North America's highways and byways. It is vital that we uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional value and unmatched service to AAA and CAA members who are visiting these destinations every day," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western International. "The position of Preferred Lodging Partner is one we value highly, particularly now when  we are in the midst of launching our three property types, BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER, in the US and Canada."

"AAA is pleased to extend our partnership with Best Western to continue to provide our members with exclusive discounts, benefits and special recognition upon check-in," Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. "We are committed to providing our members with exceptional travel experiences, and partners like Best Western enable us to deliver on that promise."

In 2005, Best Western introduced a free, customized loyalty program designed exclusively for this market segment. The AAA/CAA Preferred Best Western Rewards® International program offers members elite benefits and privileges plus richer promotional offers throughout the year.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

ABOUT AAA

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

SOURCE Best Western International, Inc.