A YORK-based hotel group has launched a national campaign to provide free internet in hotels to save businesses £1.4 billion a year.

Best Western, which manages its 270 UK hotels from its UK headquarters at Clifton Moor, is appealing for people to sign up at bestwestern.co.uk/freeInternet to support the campaign.

Tim Wade, head of marketing at Best Western, said: “Not only would free internet encourage more hotel overnight stays, thus boosting the hotel industry in the UK, but it will also save businesses a phenomenal £1.4 billion every year.”

The figure is based on market research statistics which show business travellers booked 106 million room nights in the UK during 2010, with an average hotel internet charge of £13.50 per visit.

The average frequent business customer stays away at UK hotels 11 times per year, so the initiative could save each business person £197.89 per year, the company said.

Mr Wade said: “We are hugely committed to this. We are hoping our lead, and the success we have seen by introducing free internet across our entire portfolio of hotels, can be replicated in hotel groups up and down the nation.

“It would be a massive boost for the hospitality industry and for UK business in general.”