Dorothy Dowling
SVP Marketing
Best Western

Dorothy Dowling joined Best Western International in November 2004 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience within the hospitality and travel industries.

In her new role, Dowling directs the execution and delivery of all brand marketing strategies, including frequency, consumer and field marketing programs, advertising/creative services, public relations and ecommerce initiatives. In addition, she oversees promotional efforts related to the company's role as the first-ever Official Hotel of NASCAR.

Previous to joining Best Western, Dowling was Vice President of Operations, Parks & Resorts, for ARAMARK, a leading managed services provider based in Philadelphia. She joined the company in December 2002 as Vice President of Marketing, handling its national park and convention center portfolios.

Prior to that, Dowling served as president and COO of Travelodge Canada. During her tenure, she was instrumental in increasing the brand's number of franchised locations by 25 percent. Dowling has also held other executive positions with Cendant Corporation and Royal Host REIT, in addition to her work with several Canadian companies, including Forte Hotels, Relax Hotels & Resorts, and Laventhol & Horwath Management Consultants.

She earned her joint Masters of Arts degree in sociology and leisure studies from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.

A respected veteran in her field, Dowling serves on the North American and international boards of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). She also serves on the North American board for the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) and is a member of the marketing committee for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). A past president of HSMAI Canada, Dowling has been honored with a number of key industry awards, including the prestigious American Hotel Foundation Award for Best Practices in Guest Loyalty Programs.