Silver Spring, MD. - Choice Hotels International CHH, parent of Melbourne-based Flag Choice Hotels, announced today the launch of its Comfort Inn, Quality and Clarion lodging brands in the New Zealand market. Flag Choice currently franchises 46 Flag branded hotels in New Zealand representing the largest lodging chain in the country.

"Over the next six months, many high quality Flag properties in New Zealand will convert to one of Choice's three international brands," said Brent Russell, chief executive officer of Flag Choice Hotels. "Choice Hotels' Comfort Inn, Quality and Clarion brands have been very successful in 48 countries throughout the world. We are pleased to launch these brands in New Zealand to compliment our strong presence of nearly 300 Choice branded properties in Australia."

David Mercer, Managing director for Flag Choice Hotels in New Zealand said, "We are particularly pleased to be able to re-launch the well known Quality brand in New Zealand with both a new image and a fresh product portfolio across the country."

Until the re-branding process is complete, global customers will continue to enjoy New Zealand hospitality at all of Flag Choice's 48 properties throughout the country. Choice Hotels International will also invest in a substantial marketing campaign in New Zealand to communicate the brand segmentation and attributes to global consumers and the travel trade.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. CHH franchises more than 5,000 hotels open and under development worldwide under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands in 48 countries and territories. For more information on Choice, visit the company's web site at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

©2003 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

Camila Clark
(301) 592-6381
Choice