Best Western Hotels & Resorts has appointed experienced hotel executive Andrew Belsham to lead the brand’s representation in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, effective January 2019.
Managing Director of Best Western Hotels & Resorts for Australasia, Graham Perry, says Belsham’s appointment indicates the strategic importance being placed on New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as part of the organisation’s growth strategy.
“We’re delighted to welcome Andrew, with his wealth of experience and enthusiasm, to our expanding Best Western team,” Perry explains.
“Andrew’s appointment and the fact he will be based in New Zealand demonstrate 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.”
Previously with Small Luxury Hotels of the World for eight years, in both London and most recently Auckland for three years as Area Manager Oceania, Belsham has also spent five years working for Flight Centre UK as the Leadership and Development Manager and headed up the luxury travel division for Ten Lifestyle Management in London. Earlier in his career, he has worked for other established hotel and retails brands throughout New Zealand.
“Andrew brings to us broad accommodation sector experience in revenue management, Sales, PR, quality assurance, distribution and development insights,” adds Perry. “Within his new role, his remit will include supporting the performance and quality of our existing properties as well as undertaking brand development to grow our portfolio across our suite of 12 brands.”
Andrew is delighted by the opportunities presented by the new role.
“I’m excited to be joining a global brand as well-known and respected as Best Western,” says Belsham. “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. I look forward to using that experience to support the existing and new Best Western properties across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.”
Andrew’s appointment complements recent Best Western Hotels & Resorts Australasia appointments of Sales & Marketing (Leisure) Executive, Elise Bradbury; Brand Development Manager, Daniel Cernot; and Revenue Analysts, Elena Martinuc and Janika Nieminen.
