Industry's first and only dedicated
development team focused on creating a more inclusive hospitality
industry reintroduces program with a new name and hosts second
annual HERtels luncheon
NORTH
BETHESDA, Md., April 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of its 68th Annual
Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada,
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's
largest lodging franchisors, hosted its SOAR (Supporting Ownership
Access & Representation) development seminar to reintroduce its
program to create hotel ownership opportunities for
underrepresented entrepreneurs. During the seminar, Choice
reaffirmed its more than twenty-year commitment to making small
business ownership a reality for entrepreneurs that are
underrepresented as hotel owners and operators including black,
Hispanic and native Americans, as well as women and veterans.
Today, Choice continues its path towards strengthening the
pipeline of female franchisees by hosting the second annual HERtels
by Choice Hotels luncheon, a program that empowers female
entrepreneurs throughout their ownership journey.
The full day development seminar, attended by prospective and
current owners and operators, featured a Q&A with former NFL
player and Comfort Inn and Mainstay Suites owner Chinedum Ndukwe; discussions about breaking
barriers to entry within the industry; and an evening networking
reception.
"As the first hotel company to establish a dedicated development
team solely focused on extending the opportunity of hotel ownership
to underrepresented populations, the SOAR team will continue to
open doors for underrepresented minority entrepreneurs, including
women and veterans," said John
Lancaster, Vice President, Emerging Markets, Franchise
Development and Owner Relations, Choice Hotels International. "For
over 20 years, Choice has seen success and the direct impact of
this program, having proudly awarded over 370 franchise agreements
to diverse participants since the program started."
The SOAR program is hosting its second annual HERtels by Choice
Hotels luncheon and seminar this morning at Choice's annual
Convention. This event brings together seasoned owners and
potential owners for an afternoon of networking, mentorship and
conversations around the barriers to entry for women owners in
hospitality. In 2023, Choice's Emerging Markets program, now SOAR,
awarded nine Black and African American franchise deals and 17
deals through the HERtels program. Since the HERtels program
launched in 2021, 80 women have participated in the program leading
to 59 new female-owned hotels.
For more information about SOAR, as well as Choice Hotels
development opportunities, visit
www.choicehotelsdevelopment.com/diversity.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest
lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a
leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500
hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and
territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from
full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay
and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places
and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise
owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges®
rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members
with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized
perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
© 2024 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All Rights
Reserved
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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.