Third parliamentary select committee calls for reducing Tourism VAT

A third major parliamentary select committee has come out in favour of reducing tourism VAT.   The recommendation by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in Westminster, is another massive step in moves to make the UK tourism industry on a level playing field with its European counterparts. Dermot King, MD of Butlins and Chairman of the…..Read more

Exiting the EU: Inbound Passengers

During the Exiting the EU: Inbound Passengers debate on the 23rd February 2017, Margaret Ritchie (Social Democratic and Labour Party) asked Chris Grayling (The Secretary of State for Transport) what discussions had taken place to reduce VAT to encourage more inbound tourists. The exchange is below. Margaret Ritchie, Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down…..Read more

Scottish Government considers reduced VAT could bring important benefits to tourism sector

In a written response to Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop acknowledged the contribution made by the visitor economy and said that a reduced rate in VAT could bring benefits to the tourism sector. The minister said that an approach to request a review of VAT rates for the…..Read more

Butlin’s boss calls for VAT cut during the school holidays to test its impact

The boss of Bourne Leisure has called on Ministers to reduce VAT for the tourism industry during school holidays to test the effect of a tax cut. Read full article: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-4259846/Butlin-s-boss-calls-VAT-cut-school-holidays.html#ixzz4ZttHU67h  

Reduce Tourist VAT to support business says Steven Paterson MP

Steven Paterson MP (SNP, Sterling) has written to the Chancellor urging him to reduce Tourism VAT on accommodation and attractions to 5% following this week’s announcement that the Scottish Government is capping business rate increases at 12.5% for Scottish hospitality businesses until July 2017 Steven Paterson MP said that after conducting an extensive public consultation…..Read more

Hospitality and tourism industry writes to Chancellor of the Exchequer

The UK’s hospitality and tourism industry has written to the Chancellor urging him to order an immediate cut in Tourism VAT in next month’s budget – a move that it says will create thousands of jobs, raise billions of extra money for the treasury and also improve the country’s balance of trade by billions. Dermot…..Read more