SOL MELIA chose it London flagship hotel, the four star de-luxe Melia White House Regents Park, recently renovated at a cost of ”30m, to discuss its 2003 plans. Founded in 1956, now the third largest hotel group in Europe, and the tenth in the world, the Group is active in expanding from its single UK property, the White House. Manchester could be a target? Sol Melia says that after a recent period of massive expansion, doubling in size over the last five years, 2003 will be a year of consolidation concentrating on 50 new properties already signed up and due the open in the next three years. As well as Europe, Sol Melia is particularly strong in South America. http://www.solmelia.com