Hotel group Travelodge has resigned from industry body the British Hospitality Association (BHA).
In a strongly worded statement, Guy Parsons, managing director of the Thame-based company, said: “We see an opportunity to transform the hotel industry in the UK, and believe that we can do this best by representing ourselves rather than lobbying via the BHA.”
Mr Parsons, who will become chief executive on July 1, added: “We have an aggressive growth plan in place, which will more than double the size of Travelodge hotels over the next ten years. We plan to do this by building new hotels and purchase existing struggling hotels and turning them into Travelodge properties.
“I think it’s entirely inappropriate that we should be part of the BHA at a time when we could be acquiring other members’ businesses.”
"The BHA has a role to play in representing the hospitality sector but we believe that our interests are now better served outside the organisation.”
BHA spokesman Mles Quest said: “We're obviously sorry that Travelodge has made this decision but the BHA continues to represent the British hospitality industry.”
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