VAT cut a top priority for inbound tourism sector
UKinbound says a commitment to reducing VAT levels ahead of the next General Election is a key issue for inbound tourism businesses.
Reducing VAT levels back to 12.5% is an important measure, according to UKinbound’s latest business barometer survey.
Also, re-introducing the policy for schoolchildren from the EU to enter the UK with ID cards rather than passports is also on the wish list.
The association, which represents over 400 UK inbound tourism businesses undertook its latest member survey in July.
Overall confidence levels remain high for 78% of businesses.
Expected or confirmed bookings for Q3 are at the same level or higher than they were pre-pandemic for over two thirds of businesses.
In addition, nearly three-quarters said they expected Q4 booking levels to be the same or higher.
Over half (59%) reported that the US is the main or secondary market they are seeing growth from.
However, only 13% are seeing similar results from the China market.
Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound said “Our latest research shows inbound businesses are currently feeling confident about bookings and revenue even though the Chinese market is taking some time to come back.
“This research also told us however that even though demand is increasing, running a business in the tourism and hospitality industry is tough right now.”
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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