Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 5, 1998 - Wayne W. Wielgus, has been named a member of the "Winners Circle" by Travel Agent magazine. The vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Sales for Phoenix-based Best Western International, Inc., Wielgus directly supervises all marketing, public relations, sales and frequency programs for the global brand.

The "Winners Circle" designation recognizes Wielgus and Best Western's commitment to, and achievements in, the travel agent market. Awarded annually, the honors are being promoted in the publication's January issue.

Wielgus has 19 years of hospitality marketing experience. Before joining Best Western in 1996, he was senior vice president, Sales and Marketing the Americas, for Forte Hotels, Inc. Prior to joining Forte, he served as vice president of Marketing for Intercontinental Hotels Corporation and as vice president, Marketing and Sales-USA for Ramada, Inc.

Active in trade associations, Wielgus is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and the National Business Travelers Association. A graduate of Fairfield (Conn.) University, Wielgus holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing and a master's in business administration from Memphis University.

Travel Agent magazine is the number-one rated travel trade publication in the United States with readership of more than 250,000 agents per issue. Currentiy celebrating its 67th year, Travel Agent is part of Universal Media, Inc., publisher of Travel Agent International, the Official Travel Industry Directory, Travel Agent Trade Shows, Universal Media Custom Publishing, Smart FAX, Unique Homes and Elite.

Best Western International, Inc., is a membership-driven organization that has supported hoteliers with a variety of services to ensure competitive pricing, quality accommodations and consistent dedication to guest satisfaction for 51 years. Best Western International is the world's largest lodging brand with nearly 3,800 independently owned and operated hotels in 76 countries and territories throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific.

Visit Best Western International's Web site at:  www.bestwestern.com