Capitalizing on a conversion-oriented marketplace and the economy segment`s strong performance in the past year relative to the rest of the industry, Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH), worldwide franchisor of Econo Lodge brand hotels, today announced a conversion incentive package that nets a potential $40,000 in savings for Econo Lodge franchisees.

Terms of the incentive offer a rebate of initial fees, signage costs, logo and amenity items costs, and fees associated with linkage to Choice`s reservations system, to reach a potential $40,000 in savings. The incentive is available to “like new” properties, opened five years or less.

The incentive launches June 1 and is available through October 31. Further details may be found at www.choicehotelsfranchise.com.

“Essentially, quality operators who meet our brand standards can receive a `no cost` conversion to one of the nation`s premier economy lodging brands,” said Joe Squeri, senior vice president, development and CFO for Choice. “Our objective in crafting this incentive was to make it easy and affordable for quality operators to enter our system. And once they`re on board, these new Econo Lodge franchisees will have immediate access to the marketing muscle, reservations power and hands-on services for which Choice Hotels International is renowned.”

Econo Lodge hotels, one of eight brands franchised by Choice, cater to senior, business and leisure travelers with clean, affordable rooms and friendly service.

Established in 1969, Econo Lodge has a long tradition of firsts. Econo Lodge was the first economy lodging chain on the East Coast, the first hotel chain to launch a housekeeper certification program and the first hotel chain to develop a specially-designed Senior Room with special amenities for senior travelers.

Through its EA$Y CHOICE frequent traveler promotion, guests of Econo Lodge brand hotels may now earn free lodging or frequent flier miles from participating airlines. And this summer, Econo Lodge and Choice`s Rodeway Inn brand have teamed with Lowe`s Home Improvement Warehouse in a “Race in You Could Win” Scratch-and-Win Card promotion tied to professional race car driving and yielding instant prizes for Econo Lodge guests.

Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, franchising more than 5,000 hotels in 46 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company`s Internet site at www.choicehotels.com.
——-