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Choice Hotels International, Inc. ("Choice Hotels" or "the Company") (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced a leadership transition under which Patrick Pacious will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the Company through August 31, 2026, to support the transition. The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Dominic Dragisich, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective May 20, 2026.
The Board will conduct a comprehensive search in partnership with a leading executive search firm to identify the Company’s next Chief Executive Officer and will consider all qualified internal and external candidates.
Over the course of his nearly 21-year tenure with Choice Hotels, including as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2017, Pacious has led a period of significant growth and transformation for the Company. Under his leadership, Choice Hotels expanded its portfolio from 11 to 22 brands, grew its presence in the upscale and extended-stay segments through the acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas, established a high growth direct franchising international platform, advanced franchisee-focused technology and digital initiatives, and more than doubled adjusted EBITDA.
“Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Pacious. “Together, we have built a higher-quality portfolio of hotels, a more accretive, diverse pipeline, and a capital-light model that enables the Company to capture significant opportunities ahead. Having laid the foundation for a customer-centric, AI-enabled business, in alignment with our long-term strategic plan, now is the right time for a new leader to guide Choice Hotels into its next phase of growth. I look forward to partnering with the Board, Dom and the entire leadership team to facilitate a smooth transition.”
“Pat’s leadership has helped define a new era for Choice Hotels. Through strategic acquisitions, disciplined portfolio growth, international expansion, and a relentless focus on franchisee success, Choice has become a more resilient and diversified company,” said Stewart W. Bainum, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors for Choice Hotels International. “On behalf of the Board, the Bainum family and other shareholders, we thank Pat for his leadership, vision, and many contributions.”
Bainum added, “Choice Hotels is a stronger Company today with a solid operational and financial foundation, a talented leadership team and significant long-term growth potential. The Board has full confidence in Dom’s leadership and the Company’s continued momentum as we conduct a comprehensive search process for Choice’s next CEO.”
Before becoming Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Dragisich previously served as EVP, Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer and as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2023. Dragisich has helped lead the Company’s strategic evolution, overseeing transformative acquisitions and other major growth initiatives to enhance long-term value.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO and look forward to building on the Company’s strong foundation. We remain focused on delivering long-term value for our franchisees and shareholders and creating great experiences for our guests and associates,” said Dragisich.
In connection with today’s announcement, the Company is reaffirming its full-year 2026 financial outlook provided in the Company’s first quarter 2026 earnings results reported on April 30, 2026. The Company remains focused on executing its strategic priorities, driving franchisee success, and delivering long-term shareholder value.

 
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Following up on our Guest Satisfaction Award winners that we shared at the end of April, Choice Hotels Canada is further recognizing some of our top-performing hotels – our Canadian Hotel of the Year and four International Best of Choice winners. Full details for each property is attached, but the highlights include:

  • Quality Suites in Drummondville, QC – Named Choice Hotels Canada's 2026 Canadian Hotel of the Year. It was selected from among the company's Platinum Guest Satisfaction Award winners, which represent the top 3% of more than 350 Canadian hotels. The property is a repeat Canadian Hotel of the Year winner and was previously named International Best of Choice winner for the Quality brand.
  • Best of Choice awards are among Choice Hotels International’s most coveted accolades, with recipients selected for their commitment to superior guest service and operational excellence. One hotel winner was selected from each Choice Hotels brand segment in the company’s domestic and international portfolio.
 
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TORONTO, May 26, 2026 /CNW/ - Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is set to welcome a record number of international travel buyers and Canadian tourism sellers in Toronto from May 26 to 29, 2026, signaling unprecedented global interest in Canada's tourism experiences.

The tradeshow is a major driver of tourism revenue and international trade. Travel and tourism revenue is projected to increase by 6 per cent and reach $140.9 billion this year according to the Canadian Tourism Outlook Report, produced by Destination Canada and Tourism Economics.

As one of Canada's top service exports, tourism is projected to contribute nine to 10 per cent (up to $30 billion) toward Canada's goal of securing an additional $300 billion in non-US exports by 2035. Tourism's opportunity to contribute to Canada's trade diversification efforts starts on the tradeshow floor, where Canadian sellers (attractions, hotels, and Destination Marketing Organizations) will connect with international buyers (travel agents and tour operators). More than 60,000 of these business to business appointments will connect Canadian tourism experiences to global markets.

All of Canada's target markets attend Rendez-vous Canada, which is experiencing increased interest from markets including Brazil, France and China since Canada's Approved Destination Status (ADS) was reinstated in November 2025. Registration from American buyers is strong and overall buyer registration from all markets is at an all-time high.

Rendez-vous Canada 2026 by the numbers:

• Over 1,400 attendees registered
• 500+ buyers from 24 international markets (100+ more buyers than 2025)
• 900+ sellers representing more than 500 Canadian tourism organizations, including Indigenous entrepreneurs
• 60,000+ pre-scheduled business-to-business appointments

Hosting Rendez-vous Canada in Toronto will deliver strong economic and sector benefits.

• The preliminary direct economic impact is approximately $6.7M
• An additional $5.7M comes from estimated indirect and induced impacts — that is business-to-business activity resulting from the direct impact
• More than 4,000 hotel room nights secured in Toronto
• The 2025 event in Winnipeg generated an estimated $4.6M in economic impact and $89.6M in business was signed over three days in 2025.

Spotlight on Toronto and Ontario Tourism Businesses:

Rendez-vous Canada is an opportunity to showcase Toronto's diverse culinary scene, culturally rich neighbourhoods, and year-round lineup of attractions, festivals, and sporting events to over 500 buyers and tour operators from key global markets. This year's event also comes ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™, giving buyers a firsthand look at how Toronto is preparing to welcome the world.

Last year, Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors, generating an all-time high of $9.1 billion in visitor spending. International arrivals were the city's fastest-growing segment, rising 8 per cent to 1.4 million visitors, led by strong growth from the U.K. and Germany. Hosting international buyers helps strengthen demand in established markets like Europe and Mexico while expanding opportunities in Asia. To support continued growth and diversification, Destination Toronto has increased visibility and accelerated in-market activity in the U.K., Germany and Mexico alongside the critical U.S. market.

More than 85 Ontario tourism businesses and organizations will participate in the marketplace, meeting with international buyers to build relationships and secure future visitation for destinations and experiences across the province.

Hosting Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Ontario provides an important opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and showcase the diversity of experiences available throughout the province, from outdoor adventure and Indigenous tourism to culinary, cultural and major event experiences.

In addition to attending RVC, approximately 215 buyers and travel trade media will take part in 17 pre- and post-familiarization tours throughout Ontario. These immersive journeys will introduce participants to destinations and experiences across the province, offering first-hand opportunities to experience Ontario's vibrant communities, iconic attractions and diverse tourism offerings.

 
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The 2026 Hotel Data Conference is taking shape. This year’s program, taking place August 5–7, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, brings together industry leaders and actionable insights to help hospitality professionals make confident decisions across ownership, operations, revenue management, commercial strategy and more.

The conference agenda is designed to help attendees turn data into decisions through relevant educational sessions, expert analysis, and meaningful networking opportunities.

The 2026 speaker lineup features hospitality executives, analysts, revenue strategists, owners, operators and technology leaders from across North America.

Featured Speakers Include:

  • Amanda Hite, President, STR
  • Stephanie Ricca, Editorial Director, CoStar Group
  • Jeff Higley, President, Hotel Investment Group, Northstar Travel Group
  • Michael Goldrich, Founder & Chief Advisor, Vivander Advisors
  • Mark Morrison, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Rockbridge
  • Robert Morse, VP Revenue Management Hotels and Resorts, Davidson Hospitality Group
  • Linda Gulrajani, VP of Revenue Strategy and Distribution, Marcus Hotels & Resorts
  • Karen Carroll, VP Revenue Strategy and eCommerce, GF Hotels and Resorts
  • Sarah Masterson, President, Olympia Hospitality
  • Arlene Ramirez, Chief Learning Officer, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
  • Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics
  • Andrea Stokes, Practice Lead, Hospitality, J.D. Power
  • Max Spangler, VP of Technology, Charlestowne Hotels
  • Scott van Hoorstebt, Founder, dCommerce

Additional speakers will be added in the coming weeks.

Conference Topics

Sessions at the Hotel Data Conference will focus on:

  • Hotel performance trends and forecasting
  • Revenue management and commercial strategy
  • Hotel investment and development outlooks
  • Operations and labor challenges
  • Hospitality technology and analytics
  • Market intelligence and benchmarking
  • Consumer trends and guest experience

Organizers encourage attendees to register early as strong demand is expected for this year’s conference.

For more information, including the full agenda and speaker lineup, visit:
Hotel Data Conference 2026

 

 
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May 21st, 2026 – CALGARY –Travelodge Canada is pleased to add to its continued growth this year with the official opening of the Travelodge by Wyndham Mascouche. With more than 95 Travelodge by Wyndham and Thriftlodge locations, this new property in Quebec solidifies the brand’s reputation as Canada’s basecamp for adventure.

The Travelodge by Wyndham Mascouche officially opened its doors on Thursday, May 21st. The 50-room hotel features a mix of comfortably appointed guest rooms, designed with both interior and exterior corridor access to accommodate road-trippers, families, and business travelers alike. Guests at the Travelodge by Wyndham Mascouche will enjoy hassle-free amenities, including free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi and free on-site parking. Perfectly positioned, the property is only a short distance from local shopping, dining, and the sprawling trails of Parc du Grand-Coteau. Sitting just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Montreal and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), the hotel serves as an ideal basecamp for the greater Montreal area.

"We are thrilled to strengthen our presence in Quebec with a property that really hits the mark offering value, convenience, and comfort," said Trevor Hagel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Travelodge Canada. "Whether guests are staying for a business trip or using this property as a basecamp to explore the region with their family, this new property delivers exactly what our guests look for."

Looking Ahead

This opening marks the third property opening of the year. Travelodge Canada remains committed to growing its footprint from coast-to-coast, with several additional property openings slated to launch throughout 2026.

 

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