ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced today the signing of Clarion Hotel Istanbul Airport North, signifying further expansion of the company's Turkish hotel portfolio.

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A 237-room property close to the international Ataturk Airport, the Clarion Hotel Istanbul Airport North is scheduled to join the Choice Hotels portfolio in 2015.

"Expanding internationally in Europe is key to our global growth strategy, and we see great potential for our brands in Turkey," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "We have focused initially on Istanbul because it's a thriving and vibrant destination for both business and leisure travelers. In contrast to competitor brands, our brands are not only suitable for new buildings, but also for existing and privately managed hotels."

Choice's first property in Turkey, Clarion Hotel & Suites Istanbul Sisli, opened in June. A newly built hotel with 135 rooms, it is located between the Levent and Taksim business areas and close to the cultural sightseeing spots in Istanbul. Both Clarion Hotels are owned and operated by Aktas Turizm Insaat A.S under Choice Hotels' franchise agreement.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. 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 June 30, 2014, 423 hotels, representing more than 32,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 93 hotels, representing approximately 8,300 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotel & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Hotel & Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

© 2014 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.