Best Western International has named hospitality veteran Bob Gilbert, CTC, to the position of vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Sales. Gilbert will direct Best Western’s marketing efforts including advertising and will lead the company’s global team of marketing and sales professionals.

Gilbert has over 30 years of North American and international hospitality and travel industry experience and has held key senior executive positions with leading companies including Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) and Disney (NYSE: DIS).

He most recently served as CEO of Creative Tourism, a management and marketing company providing travel industry clients with marketing and management solutions with a strong internet emphasis. Previously, Gilbert was senior vice president Marketing and Sales for SuperClubs, one of the largest all-inclusive resort hotel chains. While at Walt Disney Attractions, Gilbert was vice president of Walt Disney Travel Company and also served as vice president of Sales and Travel Operations for The Disneyland Resort. At Choice Hotels, he served as vice president of Sales and Travel Industry Marketing.

Gilbert is active in industry associations and has served in leadership positions on TIA (Travel Industry Association of America), AH&MA (American Hotel & Motel Association), NTA (National Tour Association) and ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and has been a frequent industry guest speaker.

“Bob is a true leader and brings a wealth of proven hospitality industry experience to Best Western,” said Jim Evans, president and CEO, Best Western International. “Bob’s leadership, together with the talent and dedication of our Marketing and Sales Team promise, an exciting future for our brand. We are delighted he has joined us,” Evans added.

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