Best Western Announces UNICEF as Second Nonprofit Recipient of $1 Million Pledge to Long-Term Tsunami Relief Program

Best Western Announces UNICEF as Second Nonprofit Recipient of $1 Million Pledge to Long-Term Tsunami Relief Program

Donation Will Help Children's Organization Meet Ongoing Funding Requirements

PHOENIX, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Western International announced today that the global children's organization, UNICEF, will be the second recipient of funds from its $1 million pledge to aid victims of the South Asia Tsunami as part of its "Best Western for a Better World" initiative. The donation will be used to assist UNICEF in its long-term recovery efforts throughout the region.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030627/BESTWESTERNLOGO)

UNICEF joins Habitat for Humanity International as Best Western's primary charitable partners, both receiving immediate donations totaling $100,000 from the world's largest hotel chain. From February 1 through March 31, Best Western will also encourage its more than 4,100 member properties around the globe to donate $3 per room to the campaign. In addition, Best Western guests will have the opportunity to make donations online by visiting www.bestwestern.com.

From the money raised, 20 percent will be earmarked for Best Western employees and their families who have been affected by the disaster. The remaining 80 percent will be divided between UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity to assist in rebuilding and meeting the continuing needs of the South Asian people.

The December 26 Tsunami impacted two Best Western hotels in Thailand -- the Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa in Phuket and the Best Western Palm Galleria in Phang Nga. Currently closed for repairs, the Premier Bangtao is scheduled to reopen on February 1, while the Palm Galleria is expected to be operational by October 1. All other Best Western properties in South Asia and India, which are located further inland or along the opposite side of the coast, have not been affected. Many of these hotels have already been contributing to the relief efforts, such as providing accommodations to those displaced by the tragedy.

"Best Western International selected UNICEF as its charitable partner due to its strong international reach," said David Kong, Best Western president and CEO. "With so many vulnerable children affected by this tragedy, UNICEF represents their hope for a brighter future. We are proud to support their ongoing efforts on behalf of the youth of South Asia."

"The scale of the destruction caused by last month's Tsunami exceeds anything we have seen in modern times," said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. "The region will need significant help for many months and years to come. We applaud Best Western for making this long-term commitment to support children in the reconstruction effort."

"Best Western for a Better World" is a multi-faceted community service program dedicated to providing assistance to Best Western neighbors in cities and countries across the globe. Through financial contributions, product donations and volunteer activities, Best Western, its members, employees and guests work together throughout the year, making a difference by helping those in need.

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R) with more than 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories. It is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members.

About UNICEF

Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children around the world through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. To make a donation or for more information, please call 1-800-4UNICEF or go to www.unicefusa.org.

For further information please contact: Sonia Taylor of Allison & Partners, +1-415-277-4907, sonia@allisonpr.com, for Best Western International; or David Trumble of Best Western International, +1-602-957-5753, david.trumble@bestwestern.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030627/BESTWESTERNLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Best Western International

CONTACT: Sonia Taylor of Allison & Partners, +1-415-277-4907,
sonia@allisonpr.com, for Best Western International; or David Trumble of Best
Western International, +1-602-957-5753, david.trumble@bestwestern.com

Web site: http://www.bestwestern.com/
http://www.unicefusa.org/


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