Choice Hotels Celebrates Route 66's Centennial with Innovative Digital Road Trip Guide

### Choice Hotels and Route 66: Celebrating a Century of American Travel

Choice Hotels International collaborates with Tripadvisor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with the launch of an innovative digital road trip guide. This guide encompasses all 2,500 miles of the iconic highway, traversing eight states and highlighting significant historical sites, distinctive roadside attractions, and beloved diners. The interactive map allows travelers to create personalized itineraries, seamlessly integrating their travel routes with convenient lodging options at Choice Hotels properties, including Comfort Suites in Rolla, Missouri, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

The initiative responds directly to a rising interest in Route 66, evidenced by a 20% increase in pageviews on Tripadvisor year-over-year. Steve Paganelli, VP of Global Media & Partnerships at Tripadvisor, underscores the enduring appeal of Route 66, noting that it's a symbol of American adventure that resonates deeply with travelers. This collaborative effort not only commemorates the historical significance of the road but also modernizes the way a new generation can explore its legacy. By providing easy access to information and accommodations, Choice Hotels plays a pivotal role in helping travelers turn their road trip aspirations into memorable experiences.

Noha Abdalla, Chief Marketing Officer at Choice Hotels, expresses pride in this initiative, emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing the traveling experience. This project showcases the company’s understanding of current travel trends while also reinforcing its dedication to customer service. As the hospitality industry adapts to new consumer interests, particularly the increasing popularity of heritage tourism, initiatives like this demonstrate how Choice Hotels continues to align its services with evolving traveler preferences. The successful blend of tradition and innovation positions the company favorably in a competitive landscape.

In addition to this initiative, Choice Hotels’ leadership, represented by President and CEO Patrick Pacious, recently exhibited their confidence in the company’s financial stability by exercising stock options for 126,390 shares. This strategic move signals a strong commitment to the company's growth trajectory amid rising market competition. Such actions can instill investor confidence, as they showcase a robust alignment between executive interests and company performance goals.

Overall, the partnership with Tripadvisor, coupled with key leadership initiatives, highlights how Choice Hotels is proactively navigating changes in the hospitality industry while enhancing its brand presence and customer engagement.