This exclusive franchising opportunity from Choice Canada is an industry first in Canada. It offers franchisees cash-back when their hotel comes on-line (up to $35,000), a royalty-free agreement in its first year (up to $40,000) and, if applicable, prototype plans (valued at $25,000), for a savings of up to $100,000.

Choice Canada's 2001 strategy is to continue growing by further developing all of its brands with an emphasis on two: Econo Lodge will drive conversion opportunities and the Sleep brand is being targeted as the new construction vehicle for growth. "We are very excited at the opportunity these two brands hold for potential franchisees and are putting our money where our mouth is by offering cash incentives generally unheard of for a national hotel chain," said Scott T. Duff, vice president, franchise development, Choice Canada. 

Since the incentive campaign began in February, nine new deals have been signed with Choice Canada. Three of those deals were with owners who took advantage of the Econo Lodge franchising incentive. 

"We are thrilled that new franchisees are taking advantage of the tremendous incentives we are offering and welcome them whole-heartedly into the Choice family," said Duff.

Last year, an impressive 25 per cent of Econo Lodge's net room revenue was delivered through Choice 2001 (Choice's reservation system) with a room rate premium of $12 above the overall property average daily rate. 

Sleep Inn welcomed its third Canadian hotel in spring 2000. This new construction-only brand holds tremendous appeal to business travelers because of its intelligently-designed room layout. David Hornstein, owner of two Sleep Inn says, "I've had nothing but tremendous cooperation and enthusiastic support for my efforts with the Sleep Inn brand. I'm so glad I made the right choice when I started out in this business."

For more information about developing one of Choice Canada's seven brands and the incentives, please call Choice Canada's vice president of Franchise Development, Scott T. Duff at 905-624-7803 or send him an email at [email protected].

Choice Hotels Canada is the leading hotel chain in the country with more than 250 properties representing seven brands from coast to coast, including Clarion, Quality, Comfort, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway and MainStay Suites. Choice Canada is part of Choice Hotels International.