Grant Hearn, Travelodge’s CEO, announces plans to expand into the Spanish hotel market.

Travelodge, a UK budget hotel company, has announced its aim to open 100 hotels in Spain, creating 2,000 new jobs by 2020 – the first time the organisation has expanded internationally.

The expansion programme will cost in the region of €1 billion (£72 million) and will initially focus on Spain’s major cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona. It follows the success of a pilot by the company, during which three hotels were opened in the country to test the market.

Grant Hearn, Travelodge CEO, said: “We are very excited about our plans for Spain – an important part of Travelodge’s longer-term growth strategy. While there is a very strong growth outlook in the UK for the next 10–15 years, we have demonstrated through our pilot that the Travelodge model works in Spain and the time is right to capitalise on this demand.

“Spanish consumers’ appetite for budget products, coupled with a surge in internet
usage complement our low cost brand and internet sales model. Travelodge has an important role in international markets, like Spain, which are building high demand for the no frills approach.”

Initially, domestic travellers will be targeted by the company, followed by those visiting Spain from the UK. Room prices will start from €20 (£14) online.