Best Western Expands Mobile Travel Tools With New iPad Application

PHOENIX, (/PRNewswire/WorldTourismNews.eu) -- Planning and managing travel just got easier for the more than 7.5 million iPad users, with the recent introduction of Best Western International's free application, "Best Western to Go." Travelers using the iPad application can not only find and book reservations at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide, but may also share travel experiences and pictures with loved ones and friends along the way via email or Facebook.

Additionally, "Best Western to Go" users can create itineraries to help with travel planning by inputting addresses of attractions and restaurants nearby and using the GPS-enabled map to navigate through the area.  The app's trip saver tool allows users to save past or future trips, including favorite locations visited traveling—from a shopping venue to a convenient parking spot.

Other "Best Western to Go" features include:

    * Photo and Description Capabilities: Add pictures and additional information to help remember and share details about saved locations
    * Organization: Categorize and sort saved locations by city, trip name, location type to easily reference in the future
    * Visibility: The increased screen size allows for more location icons to be displayed on the map, allowing for additional ease of navigation and planning


"Ensuring the iPad 'Best Western to Go' application consistently meets the needs of travelers on-the-go and is available on the devices they use most is a central part of our efforts to expand brand awareness and grow loyalty," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western International.

The "Best Western to Go" application is also now available for Android™ users, with similar, but more limited features than the iPad application. In addition to the application, which first launched for the iPhone in December 2009, the corresponding mobile website, www.BestWestern2Go.com, offers the ability to search and book any Best Western hotel on all web enabled devices.  The free "Best Western to Go" application for iPad and iPhone can be downloaded at the iTunes store.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, 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. An industry pioneer since 1946, 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 largest 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.

CONTACT :
   
Troy Rutman
   
Teri Morris
   
Best Western International
   

Allison & Partners
(602) 957-5668
 (480) 776-6417
   
troy.rutman@bestwestern.com
bwleisure@allisonpr.com
   
       
SOURCE Best Western International

CONTACT: Troy Rutman of Best Western International, +1-602-957-5668, troy.rutman@bestwestern.com; or Teri Morris of Allison & Partners, +1-480-776-6417, bwleisure@allisonpr.com, for Best Western International

Web Site: http://www.bestwestern2go.com