Hotel Online Special Report 
U.S. Franchise Systems Forms “Independent Hotel Owners Affiliated” (ihoa) to Assist Independent Hotels with Business Opportunities Will Connect Members with Internet-Based Central Reservation System, Nationwide Hotel Directory 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:
- Discounts and online-purchasing through hsupply.com, which has one of the most advanced Internet based procurement systems available today
- Access to low MCIWorldCom rates, plus calling card, toll free, and operator, local and internet dial service
- Low credit card processing fees
- 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.
Contact: Rob Leven, ihoa executive vice president, 404-235-5827 www.affiliatedhotels.com Also See: OAG Survey Claims 20% of Business Travelers Using Internet to Plan Flights and Book Hotels / Nov 1999