Whitbread announces expansion plans

28/04/2008 11:31:35

Whitbread has announced that it is to increase the number of hotel rooms Premier Inn offers after seeing strong performance since the beginning of the new financial year.

The group, which employs 35,000 people in hospitality jobs, saw profits rise last year and has revealed that it has continued to do well in recent months, sparking its decision to expand its budget hotel brand, Premier Inn.

It also revealed that it plans to add to the number of outlets operated under the Costa Coffee brand, which also has an overseas presence.

Alan Parker, the chief executive of Whitbread, commented: "Since the start of the new financial year, two months ago, trading has been encouraging."

"We have researched the opportunities for disciplined growth across the group and have established two longer-term ambitions - in the next five years to increase the size of Premier Inn by 50 per cent to 55,000 rooms and to double Costa to 2,000 stores. Whitbread is well placed for the future."

Whitbread also owns pub-restaurant chain Beefeater and family eatery Brewers Fayre.

Hotel jobs across the UK and internationally

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