UKinbound has urged the British government to take heed of Ireland’s new tourism incentive package and follow suit.
The Irish government has introduced a pilot visa waiver scheme for visa holders on short term visits, a temporary reduction of air traffic tax and a reduction of VAT tourism related services in a bid to draw international visitors to the destination.
UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: “We applaud the recent announcement by the Irish government to implement these temporary reforms which reflect a recognition of the value of the inbound tourism industry to the Republic of Ireland and show positive, tangible action.
“Within the UK many jobs are directly or indirectly dependent on inbound tourism, and the industry contributes more than £16 billion every year in export earnings.
“We therefore call on the UK government to observe closely the impact these reforms will have on inbound tourism to the Republic or Ireland and challenge them to consider implementing similar measures, all the more so as airport departure taxes, high rates of VAT and cumbersome visa procedures are known to be key deterrents to travel for many potential visitors to the UK.”
by Dinah Hatch
