ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels
International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) announces the expansion of its
emerging markets franchise development program with new development
incentives for female owners, as part of the company's ongoing
commitment to diversity. The expansion builds upon Choice
Hotels' longstanding efforts to extend the opportunity of hotel
ownership to underrepresented populations and increase
diversity among the company's owner base and across the hospitality
industry. In March, Cheryl Goldberg,
owner and chief financial officer, IGO Legacy Hotel Group, was
awarded the first franchise contract as part of these efforts. She
celebrated the opening of her Comfort Inn Saint Paul
East hotel last week.
"The growth of our emerging markets franchise development
program, directly around supporting female hotel ownership, is
proof positive of our commitment to make small business ownership a
reality for underrepresented entrepreneurs," said John Lancaster, vice president, emerging
markets, franchise development and owner relationships, Choice
Hotels. "With the likelihood of only one woman entering hotel
development to 9.2 men, according to research from the Castell
Project, it's the dedicated efforts of Choice Hotels' trailblazing
emerging markets team that contribute to bridging the gap."
Choice Hotels has a long history of creating and supporting a
diverse franchisee base. For over 15 years, the company's emerging
markets team has been dedicated to making small business ownership
a reality for underrepresented and minority entrepreneurs. Since
the program began, the company has awarded and financially
supported over 270 franchise agreements with underrepresented
minority and veteran entrepreneurs, including 24 deals awarded last
year despite the pandemic.
"Joining the Choice Hotels family this year has been a rewarding
introduction to the outstanding support system of a leading company
that truly cares about representation. I've been a part of the real
estate and hospitality industry for nearly 30 years, and Choice has
stood out as a franchisor that provides the guidance, support,
encouragement and feedback to put you on the path to success," said
Goldberg. "It's an honor to be the first female to sign on to this
initiative, and I hope to inspire other women to consider hotel
ownership and investment."
Since the March launch this year, the company has granted five
contracts to female entrepreneurs, including Cheryl Goldberg, Chetna
Manoj, Ravina Mehta,
Rachna Sachar, and Dimple Patel. Choice Hotels continues to foster
female hotel ownership through sponsorships and support at
women-focused conferences on hotel ownership, including She Has a
Deal, an education and investment platform for aspiring women hotel
investors and developers, Fortuna's Table, an online community for
diverse potential hotel owners to learn, inspire, network, plan and
collaborate on the path to hotel investment and ownership, and the
Black Girls In Real Estate Conference.
For more information about Choice Hotels' emerging markets
program and development opportunities, visit
choicehotelsdevelopment.com/diversity.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels
International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging
franchisors in the world. With more than 7,100 hotels, representing
nearly 600,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as
of March 31, 2021, the Choice® family of hotel
brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of
high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service
hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy
segments. The award-winning Choice
Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits
ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more
information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This communication includes
"forward-looking statements" about future events, including
anticipated development and hotel openings. Such statements
are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including
construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the
other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, any of which could cause
actual results to be materially different from our
expectations.
Addendum
This is not an offering. No offer or sale of
a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document
first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A
copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through
contacting Choice Hotels International at 1 Choice Hotels Circle,
Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850,
development@choicehotels.com.
© 2021 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights
reserved.
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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.