Travelodge, the UK-based budget hotel operator, has announced that it is to launch 41 new properties across the country during 2012 in a move expected to create 1,000 jobs.

The 41 new hotels represent an investment of £246m and will expand the group's portfolio to 537 properties. The openings include the 500th Travelodge in Stratford, east London.

Last month, Travelodge announced that it had added nearly 150 more locations to its list of target sites across the UK, including a number of "tourism and event hotspots".

Travelodge chief executive Guy Parsons said: "Despite the ongoing tough economic climate, Travelodge is continuing to open hotels at a faster rate than anyone else and create much needed jobs."

Details: www.travelodge.co.uk