PHOENIX—Best Western Hotels & Resorts and University of Phoenix have announced a partnership that will provide customized hospitality education certificates and tuition reductions to both corporate employees and those employed by Best Western-branded hotels. University of Phoenix has been named a preferred education supplier for Best Western, and is designing customized hospitality certificates with course sequences that reflect the hotel chain’s needs.
“Helping to recruit and retain skilled employees with a passion for the hospitality industry and helping them grow in their careers are critical to delivering exceptional guest experiences,” said Bruce Wienberg, vice president of operations for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “Best Western strives to be a leader in hospitality workforce development and assist the hotels where we can with their staff skill levels, and the collaboration with University of Phoenix allows us to enhance our educational offerings to ensure they are industry-aligned and relevant for our workforce. With University of Phoenix’s vast alumni network, faculty members who are working in hospitality today and relevant educational programs, we are confident both our corporate and hotel employees will obtain an education that can help them thrive in their careers with Best Western and in the hospitality industry in general.”
University of Phoenix will offer employees reductions on educational programs, including individual courses, certificates and degree programs. Students seeking Hospitality Fundamentals and Hospitality Management certificates will get the sixth and final course free to recognize their achievements. These certificates offered through the partnership also can be earned en route to an undergraduate degree.
“People are the primary drivers in the service economy, and Best Western has shown an impressive commitment to helping its current and prospective employees acquire the skills needed to compete and be successful in the hospitality sector,” said Ruth Veloria, executive dean, University of Phoenix School of Business. “Our partnership is a great step toward encouraging Best Western corporate employees and the employees of the independently owned and operated hotels to pursue ongoing professional development, and gain the skills needed to continue growing with the company.”
Best Western corporate and hotel employees across Best Western’s more than 4,100 hotels in more than 100 countries will be eligible for tuition reimbursement and reduced tuition to help enhance their hospitality careers. Best Western students will also have an assigned team of service professionals and extensive self-serve resources to help throughout their program progression.
“We hope to inspire high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction at our corporate offices and throughout Best Western-branded properties, and be universally recognized as one of the best companies in hospitality for employee development,” concluded Wienberg.
