Choice Hotels Announces Schultz to Depart 5/31; Squeri to Lead Franchise Sales Effort.

Business Editors

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002

Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE:CHH) today announced that Steve Schultz, executive vice president, domestic hotels, has decided to leave Choice at the end of May to pursue other business opportunities closer to his home in Dallas.

As part of the transition, Choice also announced that Joe Squeri will lead the franchise sales effort in addition to the finance area and will hold the title of senior vice president, development, and chief financial officer.

"In his time at Choice, Steve has provided strong direction for our franchise operations," said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer. "He brought a clear focus to what needed to be done to bring major improvement to our brand portfolio, particularly the challenge of re-imaging almost 1,000 hotels. Steve and I have worked together several times in our careers, and as CEO, I personally will miss his reliable and reasoned counsel."

He added, "Joe Squeri's role as chief financial officer has provided him with a unique perspective and involvement in franchise sales that will greatly aid our future growth efforts."

Schultz will stay on until May 31 to oversee the transition of leadership for the company's franchise sales, service and brand management groups.

Choice Hotels franchises more than 5,000 hotels open and under development in 43 countries, marketing them under the Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company's Internet site at www.choicehotels.com.