National Press Release

Sweepstakes offers families chance to win a weeklong vacation across North America

PHOENIX, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Western International, the World's Largest Hotel Chain(R), and AAA are offering one family the chance to find out how road trips have changed during the last 60 years by giving away a weeklong summer trip. The "Retro to Now" road trip sweepstakes will turn back time this summer and send one family on the vacation of a lifetime - starting in the past and ending in present day.

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

Now through May 31, travelers are encouraged to log onto www.bestwestern.com/roadtrip to submit a picture of their family on a road trip or vacation. Ten finalists will be chosen from the submissions and posted to the Web site, where they will be available for the public to vote on. The photo with the most votes on June 12, 2009 will win the "Retro to Now" road trip prize.

"As a AAA Preferred Lodging Partner, Best Western caters to travelers hitting the road for their summer vacation, offering unparalleled convenience and value," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western senior vice president of marketing and sales. "We are excited to offer to one family the chance to see how the road trip has evolved over the last 60 years and how both Best Western and AAA have evolved with it."

The "Retro to Now" road trip will start in "retro" style, complete with an old-school vehicle, paper maps and car games, as well as other familiar supplies of yesteryear. Mid-way through the trip, the vacationing family will fast-forward to "now" and be equipped with a modern vehicle, GPS device, DVD players and all the conveniences of modern day.

"AAA has a long heritage of helping travelers have safe and memorable vacations and we are pleased to partner with Best Western on this unique program," said Doug Bower, vice president, Travel & Financial Services with AAA. "We look forward to following the winning family and their experiences."

The grand prize winning family will receive a road trip for four, including airfare, transportation and accommodations, hitting some of North America's most popular landmarks.

For official rules, fans should visit www.bestwestern.com/roadtrip.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Best Western's diverse property portfolio, its greatest strength, stems from a business model designed to give owners maximum flexibility to address market-specific needs. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. Since 2004, Best Western has served as the Official Hotel of NASCAR(R). For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

ABOUT AAA

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

    Contact:
    Heather Wright                            Kelly Schwartz
    Best Western International                Allison & Partners
    (602) 957-5752                            (480) 776-6412
    heather.wright@bestwestern.com            kelly@allisonpr.com

SOURCE Best Western International