GuestHouse International Franchise Systems today announced a new initiative in their owner-friendly approach to franchising. In February, the brand held its first ever Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting in Atlanta. The FAC was formed to give franchisees and corporate representatives a forum to come together and discuss ways to enhance the system and the services offered to franchisees.

“GuestHouse International was formed based on the ideas and needs of hotel owners, so we’ve always been very receptive to input from our franchisee partners,” said brand president Kevin Lewis. “But with over 70 properties open, we felt that now would be a good time to initiate a formal FAC. It encourages our franchisees to take a more active role in the success of the brand and gives them an even stronger sense of ownership.”

Franchisee and FAC member Gary Hong also commented on the new advisory committee. “This will give individual GuestHouse International hotel owners the ability to speak with one voice. Whether it’s encouraging properties to participate in new marketing initiatives or introducing suggestions to the corporate office, the FAC will be the perfect vehicle for that.”

The inaugural FAC meeting included discussion of topics such as marketing and advertising, telemarketing campaigns, web initiatives, franchise services, quality assurance, initiating a guest survey and remodeling the Friends Club loyalty program. The FAC has plans for a second meeting this summer.

For this first year of service on the Franchise Advisory Committee, members were selected for their exemplary performance and representation of the brand’s philosophy. This year’s franchisee representatives are: Gary Hong of Silicon Valley Suites, LLC; Fred Monahan of GuestHouse International Lighthouse Inn; Sharad Patel of GuestHouse International Inn & Suites; George Swift of Western Steel, Inc.; and Jerry Wofford of Linquist & Craig Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

GuestHouse International is a mid-market hotel brand comprised of individually owned Inns, Hotels, Suites and Suites Plus properties. The brand’s franchising concept celebrates property diversity, and features national support with a focus on property-level assistance and fair license agreements with low, flat fees and a guaranteed area of protection. GuestHouse International now has over 110 locations open or under development in more than 30 states. For information about convenient locations nationwide, call 800-21-GUEST (214-8378) or visit guesthouseintl.com. For information about franchising opportunities, call Kevin Lewis at 888-951-2100.

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