Top 5 Reasons that Choice Hotels International Should Sponsor This Trip

So why should they?

1. Widespread selection. Choice Hotels International has locations across the US and Canada. From what I've read, I understand they are Canada's largest hotel chain. That means that of the 13 nights that we'll need accommodations, they'll be able to supply 10 of them.
2. Trustworthy brand. Who hasn't heard of Comfort Inn, EconoLodge, Sleep Inn, Clarion, or Quality Inn? And that's not even all the brands they have. After putting 500-600 miles past your wheels, who wants to show up at "Joe Bob's Hotel" only to find that they 'misplaced' your reservation and are booked solid?
3. Support of Tourism. Even their mission statement and foundation speaks to the fact that they support tourism. And who are we but tourists in the long run anyway? This only makes sense because a large majority of their room rentals are for tourists. Self serving? Certainly, but is that such a bad thing. It's like newspapers supporting groups that encourage reading. Hello?
4. Support of Community events. I haven't witnessed this firsthand (yet), but the corporate website for CHI (have I gotten so lazy I can't spell it out anymore?) frequently supports local community events such as vacation contests, giveaways and does so with media releases that are far more community-oriented than "we just opened yet another location".
5. They're a fun company. They frequently encourage hotel visitors to enter and win free lodging for such things as "Win a trip to space". So, even though there's not currently a Comfort Inn & Suites on the moon (give them time), they see to like to lighten up their approach to consumers to foster a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Fun promotions make for happy travelers. Happy travelers are good repeat customers.
   

What the heck does 'sponsor this trip' really mean, anyway?

To me, that means lending their financial and moral support toward this cause. It means a bit of win-win situation. It means that they provide some financial support to the charity that I've chosen (they get to decide how much) and for supplying Matt and I with lodging free of charge at the locations they have across the US and Canada.

In return, they get:

• "Exclusivity", which means we won't stay at any other hotels or chains (unless they simply don't have one nearby on our route - which will happen for sure on at least 3 nights of this trip)
  
• we'll wear whatever schwag they want to identify Choice Hotels International as our sponsor - be it a patch on my vest or some sort of T-shirt or jacket. Perhaps it's a banner ad on this website. I don't care. I'll pimp out my clothes & my site...the cause is worth it.
  
• Positive media coverage. This is a tough one. I'm not a paid journalist. That means my normal day job doesn't involve reporting. To me there is a sacred trust that a 'reporter' not slant their coverage to suit a sponsor. Again tho, I'm NOT a reporter. I'm a guy who tells the story and keeps it real. If that means I only mention the good parts about an overnight hotel stay and keep the bad parts suppressed, so be it. If you ask me about the negative side, I'll tell you. I just won't be shouting it out without provocation.
• Opportunity to again give back to the communities they serve. Through a generous donation to my chosen charity, they will continue to demonstrate that they care about the communities they serve and the people in them.

Yeah, this is clearly a plea for the attention of the marketing folks at Choice Hotels International, but doesn't it make sense you too?