CHOICE HOTELS' CARIBBEAN OPERATIONS GETTING TOP MARKS
Source: Choice Hotels International
Contact: Bevan Springer + 1 201 861-2056
bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (January 25, 2011) – Caribbean tourism industry officials and travelers alike are responding positively to the value proposition offered by Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s (NYSE: CHH) nine Caribbean hotels in today’s price sensitive market.
Speaking at last week’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Caribbean Marketplace in Montego Bay, Bill Clegg, regional vice president of Choice Hotels, said he was encouraged with the responses from tourism delegates to the Choice Hotels value message and “many were coming to our booth to give us a first look.”
“Our message of superior value for guests, high quality accommodations at rates that are affordable, along with the security of staying at hotel brands that guests already know, is resonating well,” said Clegg.
In addition to the brand credibility, Clegg added Choice Hotels is doing all it can to keep their own costs down during tough economic times: “We understand that every dollar counts as Caribbean visitors plan their travel this year,” said Clegg, the regional vice president for Brand Performance and Programs.
The Choice Hotels portfolio of hotels includes Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Clarion Hotel, Quality Inn, and Ascend Collection hotels in five popular destination islands: the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Choice Hotels value proposition, Clegg explained, allows its guests to use more of their disposable income to enjoy Caribbean attractions, culture, shopping, and nightlife away from their resorts.
Choice Hotels properties were carefully selected for their proximity to local spots popular with residents so guests can easily access a number of pleasant and welcoming attractions. “They select atmospheric local restaurants and experience local cuisine elbow-to-elbow with residents for truly local experiences. They visit local shopping and cultural sites, and enjoy the beaches that make our destinations so popular,” he said.
Choice Hotels properties in the Caribbean include: Comfort Suites Grand Cayman; Clarion Hotel & Suites Curaçao; Comfort Inn San Juan; Ascend Collection Le Consulat, San Juan; Quality Inn El Portal, San Juan; Comfort Inn & Suites Levittown/San Juan; Quality Inn El Tuque, Ponce; and Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos Islands.
Anguilla will join the Choice Hotels network this year when The Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, a high-end boutique hotel in Little Harbor on the island’s southern coast, opens as a member of Ascend Collection.
“Developers and owners understand that offering a recognized, respected brand to potential guests from North America, Europe and beyond is an essential component for success in this highly competitive environment,” said Clegg.
Choice Hotels offers its franchisees a highly productive central reservations system, a strong network of national and international sales agents, a powerful marketing campaign, quality assurance to ensure guest satisfaction, and ongoing training and support to help enhance their performance.
Choice Hotels Caribbean hotels can booked by a travel agent, or by visiting www.choicecaribbean.com.
Caribbean Marketplace, produced by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is the region’s premier travel and tourism event. The tourism showcase, held January 16-18 at the new Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica, was sponsored by Choice Hotels International.
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.
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Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.
© 2011 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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