TOURISM bosses have welcomed news that Southampton could get a new luxury hotel.

The influential Tourism South East said that plans to build the up-market hotel in Lower High Street would help boost jobs in the city - and help to give a welcome cash injection to Southampton's economy.

Yesterday, the Daily Echo revealed how the developers were hoping to build what would be one of the world's most luxurious hotels in Southampton.

Southampton-based Weyley Ltd has been inspired by the magnificent Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the only seven-starred hotel in the world.

The plan, which is set to be backed by city chiefs, would help to pay for Southampton's proposed multi-million-pound heritage centre.

The £35m hotel would boast a Roman style spa, a covered public square, a theatre, offices and 45 luxury rooms.

Project supporters hope the hotel would attract guests from oil-rich Arab nations, passengers for Southampton's cruise ship industry and well-heeled visitors to the city's annual boat show.

Alan Gallup, corporate communications manager for Southampton-based Tourism South East, said: "This is good news for Southampton and for Britain. We understand that increasing numbers of people are looking for accommodation in up-market properties and it's good news that a hotel of this kind is being built in the south-east of England.

"Tourism South East looks forward to creating a firm association with the hotel and its management and we look forward to them joining our membership. A hotel of this calibre will generate new job opportunities which, in turn, will boost our regional economy."