Travelodge, the UK’s leading low-cost hotel group has appointed Guy Parsons as Sales & Marketing Director. Guy joins Travelodge from Whitbread where he was Managing Director of TGI Friday’s. In his new role at Travelodge, Guy will oversee all sales and marketing activity and will also sit on the board of Travelodge Hotels Ltd.
Guy joined Whitbread from Accor (Novotel) in 1997 as Marketing Director for Travel Inn, he then took on the role of Sales & Marketing Director in 2000 for Whitbread Hotels, before becoming Managing Director of TGI Friday’s in 2003. Parsons brings a wealth of brand and hotel experience gained over a successful twenty-year career in marketing.
During his career Guy has delivered great results for his brands. He was the architect of the highly acclaimed Travel Inn brand relaunch. He was responsible for Travel Inn winning hotel of the year from BDRC and achieving the award for the most improved brand. At Marriott, Guy was responsible for Marriott securing the best hotel group of the year from the BDRC.
Commenting on the appointment, Grant Hearn, CEO of Travelodge, said, “Guy has vast experience in the hotel and leisure sector and he is well placed to help us drive our business forward with strong marketing and deliver on our ambitious targets. We have built a strong foundation of marketing for the Travelodge brand over the last twelve months and Guy is the right candidate to take Travelodge forward.”
Parsons, said, “I am delighted to be joining Travelodge. They are pioneering the low-cost hotel sector and are so strongly focussed on their customers’ needs. It is going to be an exciting and challenging role as we move forward in leading the low-cost hotel sector.”
Travelodge has over 240 low-cost hotels across the UK and Ireland. It has also just acquired two more city centre hotels in London from Thistle Group (21 June 2004), strengthening its city centre presence further. Rooms rates at Travelodge start from £25 per night, with central London hotels available from £45 per night.
For further information, please contact:
Shakila Ahmed
Traveldoge PR Manager
Direct Line: 0121 521 6638
Mobile: 07802 702 499
Email: Shakila.ahmed@traveldoge.co.uk
Notes to editors:
§ Travelodge has over 240 locations within the UK and Ireland.
§ Travelodge have just opened two new locations in central London - Travelodge London Islington and Travelodge London Farringdon. Room rates from £45.
§ Family rooms can sleep up to four people (two adults and two children, both under 16 years).
§ All Travelodge rooms are en-suite, with luxury King Size beds, colour TV and free tea and coffee making facilities.
§ Travelodge was the first UK low-cost hotel brand to launch in the UK in 1985
§ Travelodge offers an online booking service at www.travelodge.co.uk and also via telephone on 08700 850 950