The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has announced the establishment of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Visitor Economy. The APPG’s purpose is to enhance local economies through promoting measures and incentives, including a reduction of VAT on tourism, which would increase visitor numbers and investment in all parts of Britain and Northern Ireland.
Currently 25 of 27 EU countries have reduced tourism VAT. The UK’s current rate of 20% is almost twice the European average which undermines competitiveness against countries with lower rates of VAT. If the UK comes into line with other EU countries, this will deliver a number of benefits to consumers, the Exchequer and the economy:
- Over time, more tax will be raised by the Exchequer – £3.9 billion over 10 years.
- Improve the UK trade balance by £20 billion over 10 years.
- Create 123,000 new jobs.
- Increase the competitiveness of regions that rely heavily on tourism, such as seaside and rural communities.
- Fairer and cheaper for consumers holidaying in the UK.
- Help low earners who are disproportionately affected by VAT.
The APPG on the Visitor Economy members
- Margaret Ritchie MP (SDLP) – Co-Chair
- Nigel Huddleston MP (Conservative) – Co-Chair
- Albert Owen MP (Labour) – Vice-Chair
- Dr Philippa Whitford MP (SNP) – Vice-Chair
- Mark Williams MP (Liberal Democrat) – Vice-Chair
- Caroline Lucas MP (Green) – Vice-Chair
- Sammy Wilson MP (DUP) – Vice-Chair
- Danny Kinahan MP (UUP) – Vice-Chair
- Hywel Williams MP (Plaid Cymru) – Vice-Chair
The BHA was appointed as Secretariat to the APPG and will work with MPs to devise the group’s programme during summer. The BHA will be working closely with the APPG to host a Hospitality and Tourism Lobby Day on 16 September 2015 where BHA members and other business leaders will visit Parliament to make their voices heard on key issues affecting the industry.
Catalyst for growth and jobs
Margaret Ritchie MP, said: “The tourism industry is central to many sectors of the economy in Britain and Northern Ireland – in fact in some it can be the catalyst for economic growth and job creation. It provides enormous potential for growth and productivity.
“The APPG will focus on how we can enhance the UK’s local economy by discussing measures and incentives such as a reduction in tourism VAT. We have a real opportunity to boost tourism, and with the APPG’s Cross Party support, I have renewed confidence that our voice can be heard across Parliament, in the Treasury and in wider Government circles.”
For more information click here