Franchisors Feel Just Fine About the Future of Franchising

At the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference last week in Atlanta, many franchisors in the hospitality industry expressed optimism regarding continued growth. According to this article, one franchisor, Doug Collins who is President & CEO of America's Best Franchising stated that he "sees franchising in the mid market arena as a consistent business, with little variation due to any economic factors so far. Things are about the same in limited service. We are kind of steady like the turtle. We see steady growth every year. " Collins added that "(I)n 2007 the company opened 45 Country Hearth Inns & Suites and America's Best Inns & Suites properties." Collins believes that the company will open 50 franchised hotels this year.