The full day seminar, which is offered at no cost to attendees, will outline the state of the lodging industry, Choice�s franchise success system, and the steps required to become a successful hotel owner.  An emphasis will be placed on hotel ownership opportunities that exist for African American, Hispanic and Native American developers, traditionally underrepresented groups.

�At Choice Hotels, we recognize that a huge opportunity lies in having a larger and more diverse franchise population,� said Brian Parker, director of emerging markets and new business development. �  We are committed to working with African American, Hispanic and Native American communities to increase the number of minority hotel owners within our organization and throughout the hotel industry.�

In an effort to facilitate the franchise process, Choice Hotels is offering a financial incentive to African American, Hispanic and Native American individuals.  Under the terms of the minority incentive program, approved applicants will receive up to $125,000 for the development of a new or converted Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn or MainStay Suites brand hotel and up to $50,000 for an Econo Lodge or Rodeway brand hotel.

Parker added, �Choice Hotels is one of the only companies in the lodging industry with a team dedicated exclusively to penetrating emerging and untapped markets for brand growth.

Choice Hotels� emerging markets and new business development team is responsible for identifying and recruiting qualified businessmen and women from outside of the lodging industry to develop Choice Hotels� brands.

Choice Hotels was recently named one of the �Top 10 Franchises for 2004� by Black Enterprise magazine, the premier business news source for African Americans.

The Multi-Cultural Franchising Seminar will kick off with an opening reception on Thursday, November 11, 2004 from 6:30-8:30 at the Clarion Hotel Peabody Court in Baltimore, MD.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world�s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 44 countries territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn brand names.