Scotland’s tourism chiefs call for dramatic VAT cut

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Scotland’s tourism leaders have called for a dramatic cut in VAT for accommodation and visitor attractions to help sustain the industry.

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Scotland’s tourism leaders have called for a dramatic cut in VAT for accommodation and visitor attractions to help sustain the industry.

While 2014 promises to be a bumper year thanks to major international events, the industry says tens of thousands of jobs could be created and millions more pounds added to the economy by cutting rates to match other European countries.

Tourist numbers are expected to surge in 2014 with the Ryder Cup alone bringing in tens of thousands and the Commonwealth Games many more.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance has reiterated calls to slash VAT for the tourist industry from 20% to just 5% to help maintain the strong figures from this year.

It is claimed cutting VAT would mean an additional ยฃ4bn pounds a year to the British economy but the UK Government has ruled out dropping the rates.

The tourist industry says it is buoyant now but has warned against complacency after the big events of this year.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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