Theresa May given hospitality industry insight at Travelodge

The Home Secretary was given a first-hand insight into the career opportunities within the hotel sector during a visit to one of Travelodge's 500 UK properties.

Theresa May met Peter Gowers, the company's chief executive, along with the hotel manager and 20 staff at the Maidenhead Central Travelodge, which is located within her constituency.

After a tour of the 96-bedroom hotel, which has recently been refurbished as part of Travelodge's £57m investment in upgrading the brand, May learnt about the opportunities for career progression within the company. Kay Duff, the hotel manager, explained how she had moved from a customer services advisor role into a management position.

May was also introduced to Hayley Adams, a recent graduate of the company's Junior Management Programme, an apprenticeship programme for school leavers, who is now an assistant hotel manager. Adams has been identified as one of the Travelodge's future leaders, having also completed the company's fast track Gaining Entry to Management scheme earlier this year.

During the visit May also discussed the true potential of the British tourism industry in helping create jobs and boost the economy.

Duff said: "I was thrilled to welcome our local MP Theresa May to Maidenhead Central Travelodge and show her our newly refurbished hotel. Mrs May enjoyed meeting the team and hearing all about their experiences climbing the career ladder."

Travelodge to highlight tourism potential at Tory party conference >>

Travelodge to hire 80 management apprentices in 2014 >>

Former IHG boss in Asia-Pacific appointed chief executive of Travelodge >>