CENDANT
Hotel Group has announced it will open more than 30 new properties in UK and
Ireland this year and could move into continental Europe later this year.
Director
of operations Belinda Atkins said Cendant was always looking for new
opportunities, dependent on the right partners and possibilities. She said the
company could firm up plans for Europe this year following aggressive growth
across the UK and Ireland. “It was always a launchpad for continental Europe,”
she said.
The
US-based group is to open sites under the Days Inns and Days Hotels brand this
year, bringing its total to 60. It expects to have 90 properties by the end of
next year. Atkins added: “Expansion is driven by demand and location – most of
our properties are situated in town centres, along motorway routes and in
business parks, which suits the business travel and leisure markets.”
Cendant
has also introduced its four-star luxury brand Wingate Inn to Ireland. A
partnership with Dublin-based Prem Group will see 12 Wingate properties in Ireland
in the next five years.