Improvements to regional transport can benefit tourism, employment and local economies, UKHospitality said.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “This is significant investment in regional transport and will provide a boost to local economies, creating hospitality and tourism jobs.
“Reliable, efficient and accessible transport links are critical for opening up tourism and providing more opportunities for visitors to experience the UK, all of which also boosts local employment. There’s also the added advantage of hospitality workers having easier journeys to and from work, which can be a barrier when transport links are not suitable.
“It’s fair to say that our transport infrastructure in many parts of the country has been lacking and this goes a long way to address that.
“I’m pleased to see the Government recognise the need for a new economic model that aims to benefit all parts of the country. This is exactly the approach we have been calling for and one that hospitality can support to deliver. We hope this is the start of broader support for the hospitality sector, including no new cost increases.
“As the UK’s most socially productive sector, hospitality can provide jobs in every part of the country, support employment for all and drive social mobility.
“We now need to see this recognised and embedded in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, with a clear strategy of how to unlock the potential of hospitality and the foundation economy.”