The opening of Welwyn Garden City Travelodge marks the start of further expansion in Hertfordshire, as the budget hotel chain also announces today that it wants to nearly double its portfolio across the region.
This expansion investment represents an investment of around £50m and will create approximately 200 new jobs. Earmarked locations include: Hertford/Ware, Hitchen/Letchworth, Hoddesdon/Broxbourne, Potters Bar, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Stevenage and Watford.
Travelodge spokeswoman, Shakila Ahmed said, “We are delighted to open our first hotel in Welwyn Garden City in the heart of the town centre, ideally based for business and leisure travellers. This hotel opening marks our intention for further expansion across Hertfordshire as there is a desperate consumer need for more low cost and good quality accommodation across the region.
“We would like to nearly double our portfolio in Hertfordshire and are actively looking for an additional eight hotel sites. This expansion represents an investment of around £50 million and will create approximately 200 new jobs.”
Welwyn Garden City Travelodge is being managed by Nnaemeka Eza, who like hundreds of Travelodge managers started his career at Travelodge via an entry level position - receptionist - and has successfully climbed the career ladder into management via the company’s in-house management development programme.
Eza said, “I am very proud to have built a fantastic team who are as passionate as me about delivering great customer service. I hope that I can also inspire and develop some of my team members to become Travelodge hotel managers of the future.
“Our new hotel has got off to a flying start and customers are loving our new look rooms, especially the Travelodge Dreamer bed. Also our unlimited breakfast menu has been a big hit especially as children get to eat for free.
“Looking ahead, business on the books is very encouraging and we are set for a very busy 2018. This is great news for the local economy too; as research shows that our customers will spend £2 million with local businesses during their stay.”