Campaigner says fibre broadband can encourage tourism

BT's fibre optic broadband service could help the Scottish Borders town of Innerleithen to attract more tourists, a local campaigner has said.

Brian McCrow, who led the community's attempt to secure votes in the telecoms giant's Race to Infinity competition, told the Press Association that faster internet connectivity will allow tourism operators to promote the area and encourage more people to visit.

"We can now provide [fast communication] so people can use their fancy phones and iPads while still enjoying the scenery and remote cycling tracks and things," he remarked.

Innerleithen was one of ten winners of BT's Race to Infinity, which aimed to find the communities in the UK with the highest levels of demand for fibre optic broadband.

Prime Minister David Cameron has also said improved broadband connectivity can be a boon for the tourism industry, along with other key factors such as high-speed rail links and speedy customs checks at airports.