Black Enterprise magazine, the premier business news source for African Americans, named worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) one of the �Top 10 Franchises for 2004.�

Franchises featured in the Black Enterprise listing were selected based on the following criteria: number of African American owned units in the system, franchise start-up cost and programs offered to attract African Americans.

�Choice Hotels has been working diligently to develop a more diverse franchisee base through education, marketing and financial incentives,� said Brian Parker, Choice�s director of emerging markets and business development. �This endorsement from Black Enterprise magazine lets us know that we are heading in the right direction.�

In September 2002, Choice Hotels� Board of Directors created a Diversity Committee to oversee the company�s initiatives in promoting diversity throughout its business practices, with particular emphasis on its workforce, franchisee and vendor bases. The committee oversees and reviews management�s progress in carrying out its existing diversity initiatives and develops policies and programs aimed at assuring equality of opportunity in all facets of Choice�s business.

As a result of the due diligence of the committee and the commitment of Choice�s management team, the company has increased the resources allocated to this initiative by establishing a team dedicated exclusively to diversifying and expanding Choice Hotels� franchisee base. The emerging markets and business development team is responsible for identifying and recruiting qualified business men and women from outside of the lodging industry to develop Choice Hotels� brands. Minority entrepreneurs are a key target market because they are severely underrepresented in the industry when it comes to hotel ownership.

�African Americans spend over $40 billion dollars annually on tourism and conventions yet own less than 1% of the hotels in the United Sates. This is an alarming statistic however one that presents a huge opportunity for those minority entrepreneurs whom are willing to sail uncharted waters to amass wealth through hotel ownership,� Parker said.

�Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,000 hotels open and under development in 45 countries and territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company�s website at www.choicehotels.com

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Media Contact: Camila Clark +1 301-592-6381 camila_clark@choicehotels.com