BWR Social Media Business Plan contest 2017 — Photo by BWH Hotels
Source: BWH Hotels

Bangkok -- Best Western® Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that Venti, the team from Bangkok's Thammasat University, has won the inaugural Best Western Rewards® Social Media Business Contest 2017.

This exciting initiative challenged undergraduate university students in Thailand to create a real-life business plan for Best Western Rewards - Best Western's industry-leading guest loyalty program. After more than two months and almost 50 entries, the top five teams were invited to take part in a live final event at Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, Bangkok, on Thursday October 19.

Presenting their business plans directly to an expert panel of seven judges, the teams were under pressure; but Venti kept their cool to emerge as the winners. The winners were awarded a fantastic all-expense paid four-day, three-night trip to Tokyo, with accommodations at the Best Western Tokyo Nishikasai Grande.

The runners-up, Muuvolteen Associates from Chulalongkorn University, were awarded an all-expense paid two-night holiday in Phuket, at the Best Western Patong Beach. Other finalists received Best Western Travel Cards valued at US $100 and certificates.

The expert panel of judges at the live final event included Top Koaysomboon, Editor-in-Chief of Time Out Bangkok, Sriwan Dawieang and Natthapong Auwhangsanti, the founders of lifestyle travel site, ChangTrixGet.com, plus five senior Best Western executives. Rodney Simpson, Best Western's Senior Regional Director of Operations – Asia, was the head judge.

"The Best Western Rewards Social Media Business Plan Contest really captured the imagination of students in Thailand," said Rodney. "When we launched the contest this summer, we wanted to provide students with the opportunity to develop their business skills in a real-life working environment. We have been absolutely delighted by the response."

"We received almost 50 entries from teams of students all across Thailand, the majority of which were creative, professionally presented and showed real business acumen. This contest proves that the future of business in Thailand is in very good hands. Perhaps we'll even see one of these students in a senior role with Best Western Hotels & Resorts in the years ahead."

"Congratulations to Venti for their winning entry, and many thanks to every team who entered and made this such a rewarding contest," he concluded.

With its regional head office for Asia located in Bangkok, Best Western Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to the development of young talent in Thailand. The Best Western Rewards Social Media Business Plan Contest was designed to provide Thai students with a platform to showcase their abilities, allowing them to gain real-life experience before they graduate and preparing them to enter the workplace.

About BWH Hotel Group®

BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Sirimanas Maungrod
Marketing Communications Department - Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
+66 2 656 1260
BWH Hotels