Choice Hotels Canada (CHC) are signing 10 new franchise agreements. The new hotels are spread across Canada, with five deals occurring in Western Canada, two deals in Ontario and one deal in Quebec. Agreements were signed for Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Econo Lodge brand hotels. “We are very pleased with our continued growth throughout the country,” said Mike Jackson, CHA, President Choice Hotels Canada. “We are committed to aggressively growing our reach even further in existing markets and look forward to bringing our brands into new untapped areas.”

Sun Village Resorts will open its $25 million, 120-suite Residence at Sun Village Resort & Spa-Cofresi condo-hotel in December next to the 305-room Sun Village Resort & Spa-Cofresi and the neighboring Ocean World Adventure Park and Marina. The Residence will offer one and two-bedroom suites each with en suite baths and Jacuzzis, an open-air terrace, a dining and living area, and full kitchen with a breakfast bar. On site will be a pool, reception services, a clubhouse, a restaurant and a convenience store.

InterContinental Hotels Group, the largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced last week the addition of its newest 310-room Crowne Plaza hotel in Mexico City. The InterContinental Hotels Group portfolio in Mexico is represented by five of its brands including the upper upscale, upscale, full service, limited service and upscale extended stay segments with more than 80 hotels and nearly 14,000 rooms.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts the luxury hotel management company, announced that it has entered into letters of intent for four new development projects in Barbados, Shanghai, Taipei and Macau. “Now with 68 luxury hotels and resorts in 31 countries and more than 20 properties in development, Four Seasons continues to strengthen its position for the present and future,” says Kathleen Taylor, President, Worldwide Business Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Our strategy continues to focus on obtaining long-term management contracts with owners and investors who share our vision, and who are ready to invest in our future.”

Coral by Hilton Resorts, with four properties in the Dominican Republic offering value, all-inclusive vacation experiences to families, couples and singles, announce the appointment of Andria Mitsakos Public Relations (AMPR) as its agency of record. AMPR will spearhead the resort division´s efforts within the trade and consumer media and assist in strategic brand identity. ”Coral by Hilton is confident that AMPR will be instrumental in communicating our brand attributes to the media in a focused and crisp manner, thus making our overall marketing efforts more efficient and targeted,” said Michele Olivier, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Revenue. “We were impressed with the agency´s personal service and strategic mindset, and are confident that this will be a great match.”

A Westin hotel has been tipped to be the centerpiece in St. Lucia´s new luxury development, Le Paradis. This luxury condominium resort will feature 232 guest rooms, as well as an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course managed by Troon, an international spa with 26 treatment rooms. Future construction includes a 40-slip marina, marina village, five star boutique hotel, upscale boutique shopping and commercial centre. Starwood will manage the hotel and condominiums under its upper-upscale brand, Westin Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is scheduled to open in August 2007.