MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Caribbean tourism industry officials and travelers alike are responding positively to the value proposition offered by Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s (NYSE: CHH) nine Caribbean hotels in today’s price sensitive market.
Speaking at last week’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Caribbean Marketplace in Montego Bay, Bill Clegg, regional vice president of Choice Hotels, said he was encouraged with the responses from tourism delegates to the Choice Hotels value message and “many were coming to our booth to give us a first look.”
“Our message of superior value for guests, high quality accommodations at rates that are affordable, along with the security of staying at hotel brands that guests already know, is resonating well,” said Clegg.
In addition to the brand credibility, Clegg added Choice Hotels is doing all it can to keep their own costs down during tough economic times: “We understand that every dollar counts as Caribbean visitors plan their travel this year,” said Clegg, the regional vice president for Brand Performance and Programs.
Jose Salvador Icaza, Director of Caribbean Franchise Development and Emerging Markets of Choice Hotels International (left) and Bill Clegg, Regional Vice President of Brand Performance and Programs, getting down to business in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Choice Hotels portfolio of hotels includes Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Clarion Hotel, Quality Inn, and Ascend Collection hotels in five popular destination islands: the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Choice Hotels value proposition, Clegg explained, allows its guests to use more of their disposable income to enjoy Caribbean attractions, culture, shopping, and nightlife away from their resorts.
Choice Hotels properties were carefully selected for their proximity to local spots popular with residents so guests can easily access a number of pleasant and welcoming attractions. “They select atmospheric local restaurants and experience local cuisine elbow-to-elbow with residents for truly local experiences. They visit local shopping and cultural sites, and enjoy the beaches that make our destinations so popular,” he said.
Choice Hotels properties in the Caribbean include: Comfort Suites Grand Cayman; Clarion Hotel & Suites Curaçao; Comfort Inn San Juan; Ascend Collection Le Consulat, San Juan; Quality Inn El Portal, San Juan; Comfort Inn & Suites Levittown/San Juan; Quality Inn El Tuque, Ponce; and Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos Islands.
Anguilla will join the Choice Hotels network this year when The Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, a high-end boutique hotel in Little Harbor on the island’s southern coast, opens as a member of Ascend Collection.
“Developers and owners understand that offering a recognized, respected brand to potential guests from North America, Europe and beyond is an essential component for success in this highly competitive environment,” said Clegg.
Choice Hotels offers its franchisees a highly productive central reservations system, a strong network of national and international sales agents, a powerful marketing campaign, quality assurance to ensure guest satisfaction, and ongoing training and support to help enhance their performance.
