Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North John Hornblow today officially opened the latest entrant into the Palmerston North hospitality market � Travelodge Palmerston North.

Palmerston North is the first NRMA Travelodge Hotel in New Zealand � followed hot on its heels by Travelodge Wellington � and the choice is proving a very astute one. Initial occupancy levels following a soft opening in early March have exceeded expectations.

�Travelodge Palmerston North is a welcome addition to the local accommodation market which has been enjoying increased demand from a wide range of both business and leisure travellers,� said Tony Stuart, Group CEO, NRMA Motoring and Services.

�NRMA has invested significantly in New Zealand tourism with the acquisition of Travelodge Palmerston North, Thirty Car Rental New Zealand and Adventure World Travel. NRMA is committed to a continued investment across the Tasman in Tourism,� added, Tony Stuart, Group CEO, NRMA Motoring and Services.

The combination of Palmerston North�s fresh, modern accommodation and established reputation for providing great value means both business and leisure travellers can rest assured that they have made a smart choice by choosing Travelodge Palmerston North, said, Allan Vidor, Managing Director, Toga Group.

�We are thrilled to open our first Travelodge Hotel in Palmerston North. We have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and incredible support we have already received,� added, Allan Vidor, Managing Director, Toga Group. �Travelodge Palmerston North looks forward to being an active member of this vibrant community and helping to further boost the Palmerston North economy.�

Situated right in the city centre, Travelodge Palmerston North is just a few minutes walk to lively cafes, shops, theatres, art galleries, museums and the convention centre. The hotel incorporates a beautiful three storey heritage building, built in 1927 and features 85 rooms with modern facilities and conference rooms for up to 500 people.

With great opening rates, this is a great time to take a fresh look at Travelodge. Known for its great value, recent brand regeneration has provided Travelodge hotels with a fresh modern style and a real-time online booking service at www.travelodge.co.nz

Book now at Travelodge Hotel @ www.travelodge.co.nz � offering a real-time online booking service with the best online rates guaranteed.

Address: Travelodge Palmerston North, 175-185 Cuba Street, Palmerston North New Zealand

Media Contacts: Tracey Mehrtens Director 4PR P: 649-489 2229 E: tracey@4pr.co.nz

Or Belinda Johnson Director of Marketing Toga Hospitality P: (02) 9356 1068 E: bjohnson@toga.com.au W: www.togahotels.com.au