HOTEL chain Travelodge is looking to move into Haverfordwest and create 20 jobs, the company confirmed today.

Travelodge, Britain’s largest independent hotel chain, said a site in Haverfordwest was part of a plan to open more hotel sites near to key port locations.

In total, Travelodge is looking for 14 new hotels near ports, at an investment of £84 million. The announcement was made during the opening of Travelodge’s new Southampton West Quay hotel.

The transformation of the UK ports industry during the last ten years has created a thriving and highly competitive industry with the number of people taking trips from UK ports rising year on year.

The Port of Milford Haven is among those investing in, and benefitting from, cruises and the company said the Port's success was the reason for looking to come to Haverfordwest.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge Managing Director, Property said: “As a result of more Britons taking to the waves, we have also experienced a boom at Travelodge.

"Our Port based hotels have seen a 9% rise in occupancy as Britons kick start their dream sea holiday by staying over in a Travelodge hotel prior to early embarkation.

“To support this growing holiday trend, we are looking for a further 14 new hotel sites at UK’s busiest Port locations. This includes sites in Southampton, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Harwich.”

James Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Associated British Ports, said: “The UK’s ports are going through something of a renaissance at the moment with significant investments taking place across the country.

"One of the fastest growing segments has been ferry traffic as people increasingly appreciate that ferries offer better value and less hassle than the alternatives. Also add the extraordinary growth in the cruise industry in recent years and it is not surprising that demand for hotels in our ports is also increasing.”