Travelodge has written to 220 councils across the country to propose “joint development” partnerships to build new hotels in their areas.
The chain, which already operates 600 hotels, has identified 300 “target” locations for new properties in towns and cities around the UK.
Travelodge has already worked in partnership with several local authorities on development projects, which have led to the opening of two hotels in London and a third property in Braintree, Essex. A further two hotels are currently being built in Rotherham and Colchester through direct partnerships with councils.
Local authorities working with Travelodge on new hotel developments will act as the landlord and benefit from long-term ongoing income from the hotel company.
Steve Bennett, Travelodge’s chief property and development officer, said: “We have a proven track record of working with 25 forward-thinking local authorities across the UK from Ashford to Stirling.
“Our effective, innovative co-partnership development deals are spearheading regional economic growth and providing a solid long-term revenue stream.
“Britain is now a nation of budget travellers, with more of us choosing to stay in budget hotels than any other hotel type and this trend is set to grow, which is why we are looking to expand our UK hotel network with a further 300 hotels.”
Travelodge is targeting more than 120 UK towns, which currently do not have a branded hotel chain.
By Rob Gill
