A MAJOR chain has announced that it is to create more than 200 jobs in Hampshire with the opening of seven new hotels.

Travelodge says Hampshire is "a key growth area’ for its business and it plans to open hotels in Lymington, Winchester, Southsea, Gosport, Portsmouth, Hedge End and Fareham, pumping millions into the economy. 

Shalika Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman said: "As one of the UK's largest independent hotel brands, which operates 545 hotels, we are actively looking for a further 250 hotels sites across the country. 

“The Hampshire economy is growing at pace and with increasing visitor numbers to the area, there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price.

"Therefore to meet this growing consumer demand we are looking for new hotel sites.’’

“This expansion could create around 200 new jobs and will be great news for the local economy, as our research shows that annually our customers will spend over £1 million with local businesses during their stay.”

Bryn Taylor, regional Director for Travelodge added Hampshire was a ‘’goldmine for growth’’.

He added: “Following our £3 million investment in upgrading the customer experience and raising quality levels across our 17 other Hampshire hotels, we have seen a double digit increase in sales; interestingly with more business customers staying in our hotels than ever before.’’

The announcement comes after Travelodge expanded into North Hampshire with it’s opening of its 545th Hotel in Andover last month creating more than 15 jobs and costing over £4 million pounds.  The seven planned hotels will mean Travelodge will have 25 in the county.

Maureen Frost, deputy chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the plans saying it will be a significant economic bonus for Hampshire. 

She said: “Bringing a further 200 jobs to Hampshire is welcome news and this announcement reflects the growing tourism and leisure economy in Hampshire in particular the number of high profile events that now take place on an annual basis raising the county’s profile as a place to visit.

“It shows confidence in Hampshire as a place to do business and these new hotels will play their part in what needs to be a comprehensive and mixed level of hotel choice across the county.”

The company, whose slogan is "That's Travelogical" are currently investigating potential sites with announcements on locations expected in the spring.