PARSIPPANY, NJ— Cendant Corporation’s Hotel Group announced it has reduced Knights Inn franchise fees by 33%, from 7.5% to 5%, as part of a renewed commitment to expand the chain. Anthony Falor, Knights Inn president, said the reduced fees represent a value proposition that will grow the brand to the next level. “Our new no-frills model emphasizes more-focused services and programs,” he said. In addition, the Hotel Group also created a self-contained organization dedicated to selling and serving the Knights Inn and Villager brands. Falor, who also is president of the Villager brand, has assumed additional responsibilities for franchise sales and marketing for both brands. The changes in fee structure and management were prompted by feedback Falor received while visiting more than 170 Knights Inn hotels in 2002, said the company. In addition, Falor said the Knights Inn brand will hire its first senior director of operations as well as a dedicated franchise services team and field marketing personnel who will help franchisees with revenue management and operations. The reduction in franchisee fees will be accompanied by a new $1 charge for every voice reservation delivered through the national Knights Inn 800 reservations number.
