Best Western International Answers Consumers' 'Vacation S.O.S.' With Online Video Contest

Phoenix (PRWEB) June 15, 2007 -- Best Western International, in conjunction with family travel expert Emily Kaufman ("The Travel Mom") is coming to the rescue of weary and frazzled consumers across North America with the launch of its "Vacation S.O.S." contest.

Now through June 24, 2007, individuals are encouraged to register and submit a 30-second video to the Best Western Group site at http://www.youtube.com/group/bestwesternvacations, describing why they are in desperate need of a vacation. From July 14-22, the Top 25 videos will be showcased on Best Western's Web site, where visitors will be able to vote for the Top 10 Finalists. A Best Western panel of select judges will determine the No. 1 video the week of July 23.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a seven-day vacation anywhere in the U.S. or Canada for a family of up to four, with help from The Travel Mom. The package also includes a video camera to record that once-in-a-lifetime trip, along with a one-year membership to AAA/CAA and $1,000 (USD) in spending money. The nine runner-up contestants will each receive a $250 (USD) Best Western Travel Card, which can be used to pay for accommodations and related incidentals at nearly 4,200 Best Western hotels worldwide.

For official rules and to register, consumers should visit www.bestwestern.com/vacationSOS. Some restrictions apply.

"As hectic and stressful as daily life is these days, it's more important than ever to make the most out of your leisure time with the family," said Kaufman. "I can't wait to work with the winner of Best Western's Vacation S.O.S. contest to create a customized vacation experience that will never be forgotten."

Added Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western, "As the world's largest hotel chain whose history is deeply rooted in family travel, we are thrilled to work with our partner, The Travel Mom, in bringing this incredible vacation opportunity to consumers. We are eager to see the range of creativity and originality represented in these videos, and look forward to presenting that ultimate dream vacation to the most deserving individual."

As The Travel Mom, Kaufman has been addressing the questions and concerns of vacationers for more than a decade. Whether it's a weekend getaway for parents, or tips on how to survive a theme park, she covers a wide range of topics geared to women and the many roles they play as the primary travel planner -- wife, sister, friend, businessperson and mom. A regular guest on national television programs including ABC's Good Morning America and The View, Kaufman participates in more than 100 radio interviews across the country each year. In addition, she frequently serves as a travel expert for such popular magazines as Redbook and Woman's Day. Her monthly Best Western column, a hotel chain exclusive, can be found at www.bestwestern.com/thetravelmom.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to 4,200* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. Founded in 1946, this iconic brand is host to approximately 400,000 worldwide guests each night. A pioneer within the industry, Best Western is recognized for its distinctive business model and diverse hotel portfolio. The company continues to innovate and enhance both the business and leisure travel experience. Since 2004, Best Western has served as the Official Hotel of NASCAR®.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

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