Best Western International vice president of international operations for Asia and the Middle East Glenn de Souza. Best Western International vice president of international operations for Asia and the Middle East Glenn de Souza.

Best Western International has signed an area development agreement with Qatari hotel development company, Sphinex Hotels & Resorts, in a bid to expand its presence in the country.

As part of the agreement, BWI will operate a new-build, 75-key property in Doha under the Best Western brand.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Best Western International vice president of international operations for Asia and the Middle East Glenn de Souza said: “I am delighted to be here in Doha today to celebrate a landmark partnership in this exciting new tourism hub. I am incredibly proud to be partnering with Sphinex Hotels & Resorts, who share our vision and ambition. This agreement will secure Best Western’s position as a leading hotel company in one of the world’s most exciting markets.”

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The agreement with Sphinex Hotels & Resorts could also pave the way for future developments in Qatar.

Currently, BWI operates one hotel in Doha with a total of nine hotels in the Middle East, but plans to expand this portfolio significantly in the coming years, with at least 15 new hotels expected to open by the end of 2016.