ATLANTA— Appealing to the niche market of sports travelers— fans, teams and players— Choice Hotels International has launched a dedicated website customized to meet the lodging needs of this group, as well as capturing a better revenue stream from the multi-billion dollar sports travel industry. Revealed during the chain’s 48th Annual Convention being held here, the site allows for online booking at over 5,000 of the franchisor’s brand products, and has a schedule submittal system that allows a sports team to book reservations for a single stay or an entire season’s schedule of “away” games. Real-time reservations may be made for room blocks of nine or less. Blocks of 10 rooms or more will be funneled through the franchisor’s sports reservations specialists, who will contact the team point person within 72 hours with availability and room rates. The robust site, www.choicesportstravel.com, offers a variety of information, including sports news on pro, collegiate and youth activities and an interactive community bulletin board where sports fans may communicate via posted messages.—Stefani C. O’Connor
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