Choice Hotels Joins Travel Community in Denouncing Terrorist Attacks

Pledges $50,000 in Matching Funds to American Red Cross

Press Release: Choice Hotels International
September 14, 2001
SILVER SPRING, MD -- Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) President and Chief Executive Officer Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., joined voices with leaders in the travel industry community in decrying Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, saying that ``the spirit and resilience of the American people will not be diminished by these horrible acts.''

In a tangible effort to assist emergency responses in both cities, Ledsinger announced that Choice will match monetary contributions to the American Red Cross from franchisees, their hotel employees and corporate associates of up to $50,000. Funds are being collected and distributed through the Choice Hotels Foundation.

``Given our headquarters location just outside of Washington, Tuesday's events have had a direct impact within our community,'' said Ledsinger. ``But franchisees throughout the nation - and throughout the world - have also been deeply and profoundly effected by this tragedy. This matching donation fund is our way of joining together to help where it's needed most.''

Choice Hotels International, the world's second-largest lodging franchisor, franchises more than 5,000 hotels in 43 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company's Internet site at www.choicehotels.com.

Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites and Guest Privileges are registered trademarks of Choice Hotels International.

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Contact: 

     Choice Hotels International
     Anne Papa Curtis, 301/592-5155
     Fax: 301/592-6177
     anne_curtis@choicehotels.com