Visit Devon supports call to cut tourism VAT

Release Date: 01/11/2010

Visit Devon has welcomed a call for a reduction in tourism VAT as a means of helping the industry during the current economic downturn.

Delegates at the South West Liberal Democrat conference in Plymouth have called on their party to cut the VAT rate on tourism to 5% as a way of helping to create jobs in struggling seaside economies such as Torbay. The current tourism VAT rate is in line with the current general rate of 17.5% but the Government is expected to raise that rate to 20% from January 2011.

Visit Devon, the voice of tourism in the county, says that tourism is a vital part of the Devon economy and that a cut in tourism VAT would support businesses through difficult economic conditions. The General Manager of Visit Devon Rosie Bates says that tourism in the county is an important provider of jobs and revenue and that more should be done to help the industry: “Tourism in Devon is worth 2 billion pounds to the local economy and the industry employs an estimated thirty three thousand people in the county. Reducing VAT to 5% would have a significant effect in stimulating growth in the sector which would lead to greater wealth and job creation.”

A proposed cut in tourism VAT could also help to keep tourism businesses in the UK as businesses abroad do not have to pay such high taxes according to the Chairman of Visit South Devon, Nigel Way: “Local tourism businesses will have to cope with an increase in

VAT next year whereas their counterparts in Europe do not have to deal with high tax rates. A cut in VAT would boost tourism in Devon and it would also act as an incentive to keep businesses here instead of being tempted abroad.”

Notes to Editors

For more information about Visit Devon, contact Rosie Bates, General Manager, T/: 01392 332828 or M/: 07854 952 352 or E/:rosie@visitdevon.co.uk or go to www.visitdevon.co.uk .

For further press information please contact:

Jane Adkins T/: 01935 813114

M/: 07960 698089 E/: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Gail Livingstone T/: 01823 252415

M/:07767 055595 E/: gail@aheadforpr.co.uk

About Visit Devon

Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience.

Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (The Heart of Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon, Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd.