Travelodge Canada 7th Annual Brand Conference

In unveiling the brand's focus and direction for the next 3 to 5 years, delegates were introduced to a new emphasis on making Travelodge properties in Canada a respected business address. Among these changes, the most prevalent was reinforcing the focus on the corporate traveler, and emphasizing the strategic importance of caring Travelodge staff, showcased in the tagline "Nice Rooms. Great People."

"Our guests today have choices they never had before, and it is our intention to ensure that our brand is a relevant and viable choice for them, and for that, we have to be open and prepared to change", said Roger White, Executive V.P. Travelodge Canada, as he opened the conference.

The topic of change was a fundamental part to the message delivered during the Brand Conference, from marketing plans, Quality Assurance amendments, to the themes of presentations held throughout the three days in Niagara Falls.

The brand's sales and marketing plan for 2007 was revealed, with the premiering of the company's new, corporately driven television commercial, scheduled to be aired in the New Year. Other marketing programs included a new, in-house magazine created solely for Travelodge hotels, - the Travelodge Traveller - as well as a redesigned website. The new look was launched at the Conference, and www.travelodge.ca will keep it's sleek, business savvy appearance from September through May, when it will transform to a more family-oriented site, catering to the leisure customer.

Delegates also took in presentations from professionals in the customer service, marketing, and hospitality industries. Beginning with a talk from David Prentice, a leading sales and marketing professional in Canada, on knowing your customers and how to deliver to their needs, to Ken Wong, Professor of Marketing at the Queen's School of Business, on how to manage change. Delivering a consistent conference message on valuing employees, former head of training at Disney Corporation Doug Lipp outlined how the success of Disney could be applied to the Travelodge Canada franchise.

In addition, sessions on relevant topics such as Renovations, Hiring Skills and Change Management were also featured.

The annual preferred vendor trade show was well attended and showcased new and innovative industry solutions.

A memorable conclusion was a gala dinner featuring Keynote speaker, Toronto Argonaut's coach, Mike 'Pinball' Clemons, which served as a fitting finale to the conference.

Next year's conference will be held in Vancouver, BC.

Travelodge Canada Corp. is the third largest hotel chain in Canada with over 110 properties nationwide and administers the Master License for Travelodge and Thriftlodge in Canada. Travelodge Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of Royal Host Corp., which is owned by Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust (Royal Host), traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols "RYL.UN", "RYL.DB", "RYL.DB.A" and "RYL.DB.B", respectively.

Email: thagel@travelodge.ca