ONE of Britain’s biggest hotel chains is creating more than 100 jobs across Hampshire as part of a national recruitment drive.

Travelodge says seasonal vacancies and the company’s expansion plans have resulted in 1,000 new positions at its sites in the UK, many of which are in the south.

It currently has hotels in towns and cities has across Hampshire, including Southampton, Eastleigh and Lyndhurst.

A Travelodge spokeswoman said all 14 sites were looking to take on more staff but was unable to say how many vacancies existed at each.

She added: “More than 100 jobs are vacant within the Hampshire area and we are looking to fill these as part of our nationwide recruitment drive.”

Travelodge, which welcomes more than 18 million customers every year, is the latest operator to create jobs in Hampshire’s hotel sector.

Last week the Daily Echo revealed that multi-million-pound plans to build more stores and a 90-bed budget hotel at Whiteley Shopping Centre, near Fareham, will result in hundreds of new positions.

The £27 million Southampton Harbour Hotel and Apartment Complex at Ocean Village, due to open in October, will create more than 175 jobs.

Two months ago it was announced that budget chain Premier Inn is planning to build a hotel at Fareham in a move that will provide work for more than 40 people.

The 1,000 new jobs being created by Travelodge comprise 700 permanent roles and 300 temporary positions for the summer period.

Permanent jobs include hotel managers, receptionists, bar and cafe staff and cleaners.

Craig Bonnar, chief operating officer, said: “Joining a hotel company opens the door to training, career progression and even roles in new countries.”

A Travelodge spokeswoman confirmed that the company was planning to open 15 new hotels by the end of the year but was unable to say if any would be in Hampshire.