Mumbai, India, March 2015—Best Western India has announced that it will partner with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) in India to help meet its staffing needs as the hotel company expands in that country. Best Western currently has 28 hotels in India and expects to add another 25 in the next 12 to 18 months.

M. Douglas Peter, Director Training & HR for Best Western India, states that students who have completed AHLEI’s academic programs, in particular those holding an AHLEI certificate of specialization or hospitality management diploma, will be given preference during campus recruitment by Best Western India for both internships and full-time job vacancies.

AHLEI has had a training and educational presence in India since 1994, and maintains an office in Mumbai under the direction of Dennie Matthews, chief managing officer. Approximately 40 academic institutions in India are designated as Registered User Institutes with the authority to offer AHLEI courses and academic certification to their hospitality students.

“The hospitality industry in India is experiencing an exciting period of growth and development,” said Robert L. Steele III, CHA, AHLEI’s president and COO. “AHLEI is proud to work with Best Western India to provide their properties with well-qualified job candidates who are ready to make their mark in the hospitality field.”

“We look forward to our enhanced partnership with AHLEI India and its partner institutes in the days ahead,” stated Best Western’s Peter.