Western hospitality has really spread. Begun in 1946 by hotelier M. K. Guertin and named for its California origins, Best Western has more than 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels throughout the globe (including nearly 2,200 in North America), making it the world's largest hotel brand (by number of rooms). Hotels sport its flag in about 100 countries and territories; Australia and the UK have the most outside the US. The company has more than 80 Best Western Premier luxury branded hotels, which offer upscale amenities and services, in North America, Asia, and Europe. Best Western is organized as a not-for-profit membership association, with most of its sales coming from monthly fees and annual dues.