Best Western Introduces 'Knock Knock' Desktop Tool
Travelers Can Now Receive Special Offers, Book Rooms, Directly from Personal Computer
PHOENIX, AZ, April 19, 2007. Best Western International has brought a new sound to the personal computer with the debut of its innovative desktop application for travelers. The "Knock KnockSM" tool, a hotel chain first, is now available for download at www.bestwestern.com.
Easily installed on any computer, the feature allows consumers to reserve hotel rooms, retrieve information on Best Western's Gold Crown Club International loyalty program, receive special offers - even check local weather forecasts - all from one location.
"Best Western is constantly developing new programs and applications to bring added convenience and value to the time-taxed traveler," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for the hotel chain. "Recently, we introduced dynamic packaging options and customized navigational tools, along with virtual tours of all 2,400 North American Best Western properties, to our Web site. We have now taken our efforts to the next level, becoming the first hotel chain to bring our product directly to our guests' personal computers."
To celebrate its premiere, Best Western is hosting a special "Knock KnockSM to Win" game at bestwestern.com through May 25. Visitors are given a virtual Best Western key card to swipe across two of three hotel room doors. Those greeted by an instant winning message will receive a $20 MasterCard(R) gift card. Each time they play the game, contestants will earn another entry into a Grand Prize drawing - a $5,000 shopping spree, including a $1,000 Best Western Travel Card that can be used for accommodations at any of the 4,200 Best Western hotels worldwide, and a $4,000 MasterCard gift card for spending money. Contestants can also receive additional entries by taking advantage of the "tell a friend" option on the site.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
