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The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has announced the establishment of a cross-party parliamentary group of MPs to help boost tourism across the UK.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) will aim to improve local economies through measures and incentives, including a reduction of VAT on tourism, which it claims would increase visitor numbers and investments in all parts of the UK.
Currently 25 of 27 EU countries have reduced tourism VAT, however the UK’s current rate is in line with VAT for all other sectors at 20%, almost twice the European average. The Cut Tourism VAT campaign argues that a reduction from 20% to 5% could be worth £4bn to the UK economy each year.
Chaired by Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) and Nigel Huddlestone (Conservative), the group is working closely with the BHA to devise a programme.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA said: “It is imperative that politicians mobilise to sustain pressure on both parliament and Whitehall to deliver further economic success for the UK through the powerful potential of hospitality and tourism.
“There is a terrific opportunity to hold the Prime Minister to account on his recently announced plan to support our industry with a vision that creates more growth, jobs and security for working people. The private sector is ready to rise to this challenge and looks forward to working with politicians to make it a reality.”
Ritchie said the tourism industry is central to many sectors of the economy in Britain and Northern Ireland, and that it can be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. She said it provides “enormous” potential for growth and productivity.
The BHA and the APPG will host a ‘Hospitality and Tourism Lobby Day’ on September 16 where members of the industry can visit parliament and make their voices heard on key issues affecting the industry.
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Members of the group include:
- Margaret Ritchie (SDLP), co-chair
- Nigel Huddleston (Conservative), co-chair
- Albert Owen (Labour), Vice-Chair
- Dr Philippa Whitford (SNP), vice-chair
- Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat), vice-chair
- Caroline Lucas (Green), vice-chair
- Sammy Wilson (DUP), vice-chair
- Danny Kinahan (UUP), vice-chair
- Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru), vice-chair
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