SILVER SPRING, MD— Choice Hotels International, franchisor of Econo Lodge brand hotels, announced a new conversion incentive package that nets a potential $40,000 in savings for Econo Lodge franchisees. The program, effective June 1, includes a rebate of initial fees, signage costs, logo and amenity items, costs, and fees associated with linkage to Choices reservations system. The incentive is available to “like new” properties, opened five years or less, said the company. Choice will be making the new Econo Lodge incentive available through October 31. The company said it hopes to capitalize on a “conversion-oriented marketplace and the economy segments strong performance in the past year.” “Our objective in crafting this incentive was to make it easy and affordable for quality operators to enter our system,” said Joe Squeri, senior vp/development and CFO for Choice. Econo Lodge is one of eight brands franchised by Choice Hotels, catering to senior, business and leisure travelers.
