Choice Hotels International, a US based hotel company, added 40 new franchisees to its US network last year. The company, which owns 10 hotel brands, has completed franchise agreements for all of its brands in 17 states across the US.

Brian Parker, Choice Hotels' Vice President of emerging markets and new business development, said: "We had another phenomenal year in 2007, recruiting minority entrepreneurs and first-time hoteliers into the Choice Hotels system. Our desire and passion to educate novice hotel investors is second to none and our commitment to their individual success truly resonates."

Additionally in 2007 Choice Hotels was announced as one of the "Top 50 Franchises for Minorities" by the National Minority Franchising Initiative in a list that appeared in USA Today. According to the National Minority Franchising Initiative, Choice Hotels was chosen from over 280 companies because of its aggressive and exceptional focus on recruiting and supporting minority franchisees into its system.