Tourism chiefs eye VAT under an independent Scotland
The benefits of an independent Scotland having powers to lower VAT on accommodation and visitor attractions from 20% to 5% is being debated during Scottish Tourism Week.
MPs and trade associations including the Scottish Tourism Alliance and the British Hospitality Association (BHA), have said reducing VAT would attract more visitors and put Scotland on a level playing field with other EU nations.
Currently, VAT is controlled from Westminster which has refused to implement a cut.
Graham Wason, chairman, campaign for Reduced Tourism VAT, says: If Scotland opts for independence and subsequently cuts VAT on tourism; it would benefit significantly at the expense of the rest of the UK.
"It would also attract more visitors from abroad, so earning export revenue and improving its balance of payments. In these circumstances, the mistake by the rest of the UK in not cutting tourism VAT would be exposed."
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO or British Hospitality Association said: "Whether or not Scotland opts for independence, there is no doubt that over the medium and long term, its economy would benefit substantially from a cut in tourism VAT – and that conclusion is supported by the Treasury’s own model.
"The consequence of Ireland’s VAT cut was an increase in overseas tourist numbers and revenue which helped to create up to 25,000 new jobs."
"A tourism VAT cut has been implemented with great success in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Sweden; how is it that Westminster has not spotted it’s a good idea?
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season