Travelodge set to benefit from surge in staycations in UK
Travelodge, the hotels and hospitality company, confirmed on Tuesday that it is going to open 17 new hotels this year, adding a total of 360 new jobs.
The additional sites will bring the company’s total to 597, spread across the UK, Ireland and Spain.
Two of the new hotels will be in London, while the remainder will be in other parts of the country.
The development of the new sites is expected to cost in the region of £175m, while they are expected to open in time for the summer season.
It could provide a timely boost for Travelodge as Brits are increasingly settling for staycations over the summer holidays.
Craig Bonnar, Travelodge chief executive said: “After a challenging 12 months, today’s announcement demonstrates the strength in the Travelodge brand and is a key step forward as we emerge out of lockdown.”
“I am delighted to be able to say that the opening of our new Travelodge hotels across the UK is going to create 360 new jobs in hospitality and support 17 local economies.”
“Our priority is now to officially reopen our remaining hotels in May, as we emerge from lockdown, welcome our customers back and continue to offer great value but now with even more choice, as we build an even bigger and better Travelodge brand.”
The travel and leisure sector gained 1.3% across Europe over the weekend, benefiting from Britain’s expected announcement of a green list for countries that people can travel to on holidays.
Britons’ summer holiday plans were given a major boost on Monday, as the EU confirmed vaccinated travellers will be able to fly to Europe from June, though it’s understood the UK could give the green light to travel to fewer than 10 countries.
