Announcements

“Media campaign will benefit us all” – Ufi Ibrahim

The BHA welcomes Caterer & Hotelkeeper’s campaign to reduce the rate of VAT on accommodation.

“This media campaign will benefit us all by raising awareness of the uncompetitive rates of UK accommodation, attractions and restaurant establishments compared with our main European rivals,” says Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive.

“The Caterer’s efforts will also complement the BHA’s VAT campaign which continues to pressure government to reduce VAT in order to make UK tourism competitive with EU member states – thus investing in the job-creating potential of our industry.”

Ms Ibrahim, said that the BHA’s special task force – chaired by Graham Wason, tax expert, and comprising key hospitality and tourism industry leaders – had already had discussions with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Treasury towards analysing the case for a reduced rate of VAT with the resulting positive impact on jobs.

These ongoing discussions with Treasury were underpinned by a comprehensive study commissioned by the Bourne Leisure Group and Merlin Entertainments, and produced by Deloitte.

“This research, which includes case studies and comparatives with our EU rivals, provides the BHA and our members with the firm evidence needed to champion a VAT rate reduction.

“We look forward to the outputs of the Caterer campaign and we welcome the potential impact it will have on enhancing our efforts at the BHA.

“We urge everyone to play an active role with the Caterer and the BHA in order to ensure that we have a level playing field on VAT, so that UK tourism can compete effectively with other EU member states.”