Former Small Luxury Hotels of the World executive Andrew Belsham will lead an ambitious program of development and expansion for Best Western Hotels & Resorts going into 2019 and beyond, the company has confirmed.
Commencing from next month, Belsham will report to BW Australasia Managing Director Graham Perry, who said the new appointment indicated the importance the company was placing in New Zealand for its growth objectives and targets.
“Andrew’s appointment, and the fact he will be based in New Zealand, demonstrates our recognition that if we’re serious about New Zealand and the Pacific, we have to fully commit and have a direct presence located in the region,” Perry said.
Belsham will directly work to grow the presence of Best Western in key markets across New Zealand and the South Pacific in his new role. Duties will include supporting the group’s existing portfolio as well as brand development to find opportunities in the market for Best Western’s collection of 12 brands covering the Budget, Midscale, Upscale and Luxury market tiers.
“Having worked closely with some of the world’s most elite property owners and general managers worldwide, and having stayed in over 200 properties, I know what the customer demands are today and how to drive incremental business and awareness to these properties, Belsham said.
“I look forward to using that experience to support the existing and new Best Western properties across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.”
In his prior role with SLH and before that with Flight Centre UK, Belsham was based in London before relocating to Auckland. He also brings significant experience working with many major hotel brands across New Zealand.