ATLANTA (Jan. 4, 2000) – U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:
USFS) confirms plans to form an innovative organization known as “Independent
Hotel Owners Affiliated” (ihoa) to help make independent hotels around
the nation more accessible to the traveling public.
According to Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS, ihoa will be targeted
exclusively to independent non-franchised hotel owners who are members
of AAHOA and who, up to now, have not had the opportunity to increase business
opportunities by connecting to an online hotel network and to enhance their
technical and marketing capabilities with a national affiliation.
“For years, AAHOA’s management has been looking for a way to provide
services to independent hotel owner members,” said Leven, one of AAHOA’s
original founders. “We are pleased to be part of a pioneering effort
that will benefit those hotels that do not qualify as a franchise.
This includes such opportunities as building business with nationwide exposure,
expanding reservations efficiency and competing more effectively with the
benefits of e-commerce, all at reasonable cost.”
Each ihoa member will receive a free Windows 98-based personal computer
with technical support, allowing them to be part of a toll-free Internet-based
reservation system staffed 18 hours a day, as well as an Internet web page
with free browsing and e-mail. To further increase business, members
will also be included in a nationwide ihoa directory of hotels, and featured
on ihoa’s website at www.affiliatedhotels.com.
Other ihoa benefits include:
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Discounts and online-purchasing through hsupply.com, which has one of the
most advanced Internet based procurement systems available today
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Access to low MCIWorldCom rates, plus calling card, toll free, and operator,
local and internet dial service
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Low credit card processing fees
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Outdoor sign and door decals identifying the ihoa affiliation
The cost for a one-year membership is $1,500 per property. Contracts
may be renewed annually with fees for the second and third year at $1,200
each. The first 500 hotels to enroll will become Charter Members
and after the first year’s fee of $1,500, will enjoy a guaranteed annual
fee of $1,200 for the lifetime of the membership.
ihoa is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems, founded
in 1995. USFS franchises the Microtel Inn & Suites, Hawthorn and Best
Inns & Suites hotel brands.
Certain of the above statements are forward looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. |
