BHA applauds investment in rural broadband

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has welcomed an announcement from the Government that it will invest in broadband technologies for rural areas of the UK.

Around 600,000 more homes and businesses could be connected to superfast broadband, after the UK Government recovered £440 million. The cash will be made up of £150m in cost savings and the rest in the form of returned subsidies from BT, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport revealed.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA said: “This investment is a welcome announcement for hospitality and tourism businesses, particularly in rural and coastal areas, as a reliable and fast broadband connection is essential both in terms of hospitality operations and customer experience.”

Ufi Ibrahim

Much-needed investment

The BHA launched its Creating Coastal Powerhouses report last July alongside the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Visitor Economy, and called on the Government to create Coastal Enterprise Zones, explained Ibrahim.

“It is encouraging to see the Government take action to invest in broadband in rural areas which will make a big contribution to this,” she added.

“We look forward to supporting Government plans to ensure that all UK destinations are accessible and connected for British families and international visitors alike.”