Best Western Australasia has appointed Michael Metcalfe as the group's new Manager, Strategic Development.

Metcalfe returns to Australia after working with Best Western Great Britain, Best Western International's UK affiliate located in York. Prior to this appointment, he developed his own accommodation network, Snotels, a collection of 30 European alpine hotels while based in London.

Metcalfe's industry experience ranges from hotel management with InterContinental Hotels Group on the Gold Coast and projects with Intrawest Resorts in Colorado, USA to branding with Virgin Australia and cruise ship operations with Princess Cruises.

Originally from Brisbane, Metcalfe will focus on growing Best Western's property portfolio in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.