Industry welcomes Welsh Government tourism tax rejection
Leading hoteliers in Wales have welcomed the rejection of proposals for a Wales-wide ‘tourism tax'.
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) Cymru had urged ministers and assembly members to drop the plans to introduce a per night charge for visitors staying in accommodation. Earlier today, Welsh Government officials rejected the tourism tax in favour of a vacant land tax.
However, the matter has not been completely dismissed by the cabinet secretary, with future discussions among local authorities still possible.
David Chapman, executive director of BHA Cymru, said: "[The Government] saw the need to help our iconic community businesses, already facing a cauldron of costs, to boost employment and growth in key rural, coastal and urban locations in Wales.
"We also now urge all assembly members to sign up to the BHA's cut tourism VAT campaign. We want their help to pressure Westminster to cut tourism VAT from 20% to single figures to match levels in other European countries and significantly boost the economic performance of the industry, creating and sustaining more local jobs, visitor numbers and enabling local people to enjoy more meals out."
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailiers, said she welcomed the Welsh Government's decision.
"Credit must go to Hospitality Cymru for leading efforts to secure it; although the Welsh Government would show more pragmatism if it abandoned the idea completely. A tourism tax would only heap costs on businesses and customers and make tourism in Wales much less attractive and competitive.
"The ALMR will continue to oppose the tourist tax and I hope that Governments all around the UK will act positively to avoid the introduction of such a flawed and unserviceable measure."
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