Travelodge has announced that it will open 26 hotels in London over the coming two years.
The budget hotel chain said its £223m expansion plans will bring around 710 hotel jobs to London by 2013.
Travelodge said that 10 of the new hotels will be welcoming customers in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. It is thought that the hotels’ opening ahead of 2012 will bring some 280 hospitality jobs alone.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “It’s no surprise that this great world city continues to attract huge investment. This is another ringing vote of confidence in London’s economy and its future.”
Among the hotels to be opened in the capital is an 84-bedroom development in Battersea. Due to open next year, the hotel will sit on Falcon Road, opposite Clapham Junction station.
Robert Ryan, development manager for Travelodge, said: “We have long sought a hotel in Clapham so we are delighted to have secured this location so close to Clapham Junction station.
“By redeveloping the vacant office block the developers will be creating an exciting new scheme which will benefit and enhance this part of Clapham Junction town centre as well as providing much-needed hotel rooms.”
The news of the 26 hotels was welcomed by London & Partners, the official tourism body for London. CEO Gordon Innes said that the announcement meant good things for both the city’s tourism industry and its wider economy.
Innes added: “We are delighted with the news that Travelodge is creating so many jobs across the capital over the next two years.
“The hospitality industry plays a vital role in the overall visitor experience for London and today’s announcement is both positive for the city’s economy but also for London’s overall tourism offer.
“London is determined to create a friendly and warm welcome to the world both leading up to and over the Games period and whether it’s a concierge directing a visitor or a waiter welcoming diners to a new restaurant – every aspect of the London experience will be enhanced by these future members of staff.”
Michelle Luxford, human resources director at Travelodge, said: “We are passionate about developing our people and I’m proud to say that 75 per cent of all our management appointments are filled internally.”
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