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Sri Lanka 700-room hotel chain planned by Best Western
Mar 28, 2014 (LBO) - US based Best Western, is planning a 700-room strong chain partnering with Sri Lanka's Elyon Hotels as the island draws more visitors after the end of a 30-year civil war, officials said.
"After the war there are a lot of changes in the country. Infrastructure is improving," Glenn de Souza, head of international operation for Asia and the Middle East said in Colombo.
"We believe there is a shortage of good quality hotel rooms in Sri Lanka. For us it is a good opportunity for us to prospect and have more hotels in Sri Lanka."
Best Western manages or has franchised over 4,000 properties, which the company says has made it the world's largest hotel chain.
The first 60-room hotel built by Elyons will open within the next three months on Colombo's Baseline Road near the Kirulapone end.
Founded by Presantha Jayamaha, who has a background in information technology, Elyons will partner Best Western in hunting properties to expand the brand in Sri Lanka.
"We are looking at Galle, Tangalle, Mirissa, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee," Jayamaha said.
"I do not think outside of Trico that the East Coast is ready for this kind of hotel."
The first hotel will be a 4 star grade property priced up to 150 dollars a room.
Best Western has a mid scale, upscale, and a luxury brand and de Souza says there is opportunity for all levels in Sri Lanka.
In Asia and the Middle East the firm says the standard in all its brands is higher than in the US and Europe as it is competing with rivals who also offer a higher level of service.
The firm is expecting regional travellers to make bulk of its bookings in Sri Lanka.
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/news/sri-lanka-700-room-hotel-chain-planned-by-best-western/175890005