What was the total number of Best Western franchise transfers in 2022 across all states?

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were a total of 131 franchise transfers across all states in 2022. This figure provides insight into the resale activity within the Best Western franchise system during that year. Franchise transfers occur when an existing franchisee sells their business to a new owner, subject to Best Western's approval. A high number of transfers could indicate a healthy market for existing Best Western locations, while a low number might suggest fewer opportunities for buying established businesses.

For a prospective Best Western franchisee, understanding the transfer activity can be valuable. If many transfers are happening, it could mean there are opportunities to acquire existing, operational hotels rather than building from the ground up. However, it's also important to investigate the reasons behind the transfers. Are franchisees selling due to retirement, poor performance, or other factors? This information can help a potential franchisee assess the risks and rewards of buying an existing Best Western franchise.

It is also useful to compare the number of transfers to the total number of Best Western locations. A transfer rate can be calculated to provide a percentage of how many franchises change hands each year. This can be compared to industry averages to determine if Best Western has a higher or lower transfer rate than similar hotel franchises. This information, combined with speaking to current and former franchisees, can help a prospective franchisee make an informed decision.