Works start on Best Western's two Iraq hotels

Construction has started on Best Western’s first two hotels in Iraq which will operate under the Best Western Premier brand in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The 82-room Best Western Premier Erbil Airport will be the first to open in 2013, located near to the recently-opened Erbil International Airport.

This will be followed by the opening of the 160-room Best Western Erbil in the city centre in the first quarter of 2014.

“Iraq was chosen for Best Western’s next step of brand expansion in the Middle East based on various positive aspects of the nation. These include the historical values, the country’s economy, the people and its financial resources, all of which are key elements in the immense potential of Iraq as both a major business centre and tourism destination. And Erbil, as a prominent trading centre with key road links and increasing air access, is a natural choice for our first hotels in Iraq”” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s vice president international operations – Asia & the Middle East.

Owner Golden Mountains Company chairman Eng. Handren Azzo added: “Looking at the global sales and marketing reach, revenue generation and promotional power to be gained by us the hotel owner, the city of Erbil and the wider destination of Iraq itself, the decision to go with Best Western was an easy one”

“We very much look forward to impressing visitors to Erbil with hotels that combine the world-class standards of Best Western International and the unique character of Iraqi Kurdistan hospitality”.