Choice Hotels are bringing their global brand together for the first time at World Travel Market 2008 and will exhibit in the Global Village. Choice Hotels International is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisor in the world.

The hotel group currently franchises more than 5,600 hotels worldwide, representing more than 455,000 rooms. As a global brand with growth markets in Mexico, China, India, Central and South America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe the company's Global Village stand location at WTM gives senior buyers, from all of the international regions, wishing to conduct business with Choice Hotels a central location to meet. Underpinning this growth strategy, the number of Choice Hotels opened globally has grown 11% in the last 5 years, from 4,977 in 2004 to more than 5,600 in 2008.

"WTM is truly an international event on the travel industry calendar and Choice Hotels International is a global company with locations worldwide. Our presence in the Global Village at this year's WTM is designed to highlight our global brands to the industry, with Choice representatives from eight countries including the UK, US, Australia and many in Europe on our stand," said Brian Garvan, Director of Sales - UK, Choice Hotels Europe.

Ranging from limited service to full service hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale segments, Choice-branded properties provide business and leisure travellers with a range of high-quality, high-value lodging options.

As well as exhibiting together under the global brand umbrella, Choice Hotels will be talking about the recent launch of their Choice Privileges Rewards Programme in Europe. The award-winning rewards programme, is now open to European (excluding Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden) residents and has been expanded to include over 270 Choice brand properties in Europe, including 76 in the UK.

Choice Privileges' members can earn points on qualifying stays at hotels throughout ten European countries including Belgium; the Czech Republic; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Portugal; Spain; Switzerland and the UK.

More than 50,000 travel professionals, senior management, buyers and opinion formers from regions, countries and industry sectors throughout the world are expected to attend this year's World Travel Market at ExCeL, London. The event takes place from 10-13 November 2008.