Budget hotel chain Travelodge has unveiled plans to open seven new sites across the UK by the end of 2009 as part of a £22m investment programme.

A further 575 bedrooms will be added to the company's existing portfolio as part of the scheme, which will see new hotels open at Bournemouth, Dorset; Liverpool; Edinburgh and Newquay, Cornwall. Travelodge is also planning to open properties in Farnborough, Hampshire, Macclesfield, Cheshire and Norwich, with the chain aiming to recruit all new staff through its partnership with Job Centre Plus.

Two of the new hotels will also contribute towards Travelodge's bid to open 55 new sites in seaside resorts as part of a £150m strategy to help boost the economies of coastal towns in the UK. Grant Hearn, Travelodge chief executive officer, said: "Despite a tough year for the hotel market, we have continued to grow and offer opportunities nationwide."