Source: Choice Hotels International, Inc

ROCKVILLE, Md. – For the ninth consecutive year, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) earned the distinction as one of the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality." The company once again achieved a perfect 100 score on the HRC 2019 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark that ranks companies on LGBTQ-friendly corporate policies and practices.

"Choice Hotels is committed to cultivating an engaged, diverse workforce that always feels welcome, wanted, and respected through our professional development programs and employee resource groups," said Patrick Cimerola, chief human resources officer, Choice Hotels. "A top priority for Choice year after year is maintaining that devotion, which supports creativity and innovation among our associates and creates an overall inclusive environment."

As part of the Corporate Equality Index, Choice Hotels was rated on a series of criteria involving corporate policies, benefits and practices affecting the LGBTQ workforce and their families. To earn a perfect score and achieve the distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality," Choice demonstrated equal employment opportunities and benefits, organizational LGBTQ awareness and advocacy, and an overall commitment to equality.

The company's long-time commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion is driven at the top of the organization and extends to every facet of the company. Choice Hotels supports nine different employee resource groups to facilitate engagement among associates and shape the company's culture and values. As an example of its commitment, Choice has a dedicated emerging markets development team with a mission to maintain and grow a diverse franchisee base that includes minorities and veterans.

About HRC

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Choice Hotels®

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated development and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations.

Hank Nathan
+1 301 592 6619
Choice