UK Government accept case reduced Tourism VAT… but only in the Isle of Man

One of the curiosities of the high rate of UK Tourism VAT is that a previous British Government accepted the principle for a reduced tourism rate to boost the economy. That was in 1994 when the then British Government approved an application by the Isle of Man Government to reduce VAT on visitor accommodation to…..Read more

Roundtable brings together supportive MPs and industry leaders

The Cut Tourism VAT Campaign hosted a roundtable discussion at The Cavendish London to discuss proposals to advance the Campaign in the year ahead. More than twenty Members of Parliament and UK travel industry leaders participated in the Roundtable including Margaret Ritchie MP, Sir Bob Russell MP, Caroline Lucas MP, Paul Maynard MP, Dermot King,…..Read more

Campaign calls Autumn Statement ‘missed opportunity’

The Cut Tourism VAT Campaign responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement regretting the missed opportunity to reduce tourism VAT and boost tourism export earnings from emerging markets. Graham Wason, Chairman of Cut Tourism VAT said: “The Government has missed out on a great opportunity in this Autumn Statement. The United Kingdom remains alongside Slovakia, Denmark…..Read more

Cut Tourism VAT responds to ‘Tourism: jobs and growth’ report

Cut Tourism VAT today responded to the ‘Tourism: jobs and growth’ report by Visit Britain. The report forecasts that the tourism economy will be worth around £127 billion this year (2013), equivalent to 9% of the UK’s GDP. Graham Wason, Chairman of the Cut Tourism VAT campaign said:  “The Visit Britain figures show the huge potential and…..Read more

Submission to Autumn Statement shows case for Tourism VAT reduction

In a submission to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the Autumn Statement industry leaders have put the case that a reduction of VAT would help boost exports and reduce the trade deficit. The submission summarises the economic evidence in favour of a reduction and cites Visit Britain analysis that between 2006 and 2011 the UK lost…..Read more

Blog – Lessons from Ireland

In early October the Irish Government confirmed that their current reduced rate of Tourism VAT would be maintained at 9%. This achievement was a result of a well fought campaign by the Irish hospitality industry. Supporting this was the latest key research, commissioned by Failte Ireland and carried out by Deloitte, which demonstrated the strong economic…..Read more