Choice Hotels International announced the signing of a development agreement for Choice's Quality Hotel and Clarion Hotel brands with Boli Hotel Management Company Ltd. The deal marks the launch of the first Clarion and Quality Hotels in China, and the continual expansion of its international business. The development will begin in Hangzhou, with plans to expand across the region. "With several Comfort Inn hotels already located in China and performing successfully, it is a natural step to introduce other brands within theChoice Hotels portfolio to the region," said Mark Pearce, senior vice president of Choice Hotels' International Division. "Our partnership with Boli Hotel Management Company is a significant milestone not only because it marks the launch of our development efforts for Clarion and Quality hotels in China, but because it represents the opportunity for local developers to partner with an international hotel company."Choice Hotels International franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of December 31, 2013, 422 hotels, representing more than 31,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 81 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories.
