Caribbean hotels keen to boost their bottom lines and strengthen their position in the international marketplace are being offered big incentives by one of America's leading lodging companies.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), with nine properties in the Caribbean region, confirmed its commitment to developing the region's vital tourism sector by offering qualified hotels and resorts a 50 percent reduction in brand standard affiliation fees. But it will not last forever.
Speaking to reporters at the recent
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's Caribbean Marketplace in Jamaica,
Jose Salvador Icaza, director of Caribbean Franchise Development and Emerging Markets for Choice Hotels International, declared his company will offer half off the regular affiliation fee for qualified hotels which submit their affiliation application by March 31, 2011, and execute the affiliation agreement by June 30, 2011.
"This offer is for all of our brands," explained Icaza, "so whether you're interested in the power of a traditional Comfort or Quality brand or if you want to come as you are and join the Ascend Collection membership program for upscale hotels who do not have to conform to standard branding requirements, the offer is on the table." While all Caribbean hotels can benefit from the incentive, Icaza explained that Choice Hotels is heavily focusing its 2011 franchise development efforts in the markets of Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and the United States Virgin Islands.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2010, more than 540 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 44,000 rooms, and approximately 90 hotels, representing approximately 8,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 20 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.
Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at
www.choicehotels.com.