Travelodge sold more than 7 million rooms in 2010
Travelodge sold 7.2 million bedrooms during 2010 - 13% more than during the previous year.
Despite the tough economic climate of last year, Travelodge's chief executive, Guy Parsons, said that the budget hotel company had delivered a robust performance while continuing a strategic growth throughout the UK.
"We served record numbers of customers, grow total sales and opened 70 new hotels in excellent locations, targeting sites that would have been beyond our reach before the recession," he said.
"The deal with Mitchells and Butlers, which saw us acquire 52 of their hotels, shows the innovative approach we have taken towards our aggressive growth plans."
The average room rate during 2010 was £42.26, with 40% of all rooms sold at £29 or lower and one million rooms sold at £19 or less.
As well as the opening of 70 new hotels, Travelodge also exchanged contracts on a record 96 properties and created 697 new jobs.
The company has already opened four hotels this year - in Cardiff, Paignton, Horsham and Southgate - and is currently building a further 36 properties. A further 725 jobs will be created.
"The year has started in line with management's expectations, though clearly there has been an impact on the consumer from the recent VAT increase and the fuel and energy price increases," Parsons said.
Over the past five years, Travelodge has focused heavily on city-centre growth to rebalance its portfolio away from roadside locations. Today 18% of Travelodge rooms are in London, 62% are in major cities and towns, with the remaining 20% of rooms located at major motorways and roadside locations.
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By Janet Harmer
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