Following exchanging contracts on 44 properties this year, Travelodge is aiming to open 146 new sites in 2012. Owned and financed by the Dubai investment vehicle DIC Travelodge said that despite current liquididy issues overall strong trading has enabled it to secure finance for all 146 new hotels.
The strategic direction of Travelodge saw a change in tactics deployed earlier this year focusing on smaller properties and working in collaboration with partners including Greene King and JD Weatherspoons.
This tactic has enabled new hotel developments in both city centre and out of town locations to become viable.
Guy Parsons, CEO of Travelodge commented…‘Unlike other hotel companies we took the decision to continue expanding – and we have reaped the benefits.’
2011 saw new Travelodge hotels across many cities in the UK including London, Manchester and Birmingham. 2012 will see develpoment activity increase within the M25 outer London regions, which Parsons believes to be under served by quality business accomodation.
All this is good news for the hotel sector in the UK particularly on the hotel job front.