SDLP Calls For Tourism VAT Cut

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cut VAT for tourism services in Northern Ireland.

"Northern Ireland has achieved so much in the past number of years. Derry’s City of Culture, the spectacular Giro D’Italia, the opening of the fabulous Titanic Centre and, of course, the runaway success of Game of Thrones. We have become a tourism hotspot on a global stage," she said.

"The tourism potential of our region will continue to grow in coming years as events like the Irish Open make their way north. This is all due, in a significant way, to the quality of our tourism product and the hard work of those in the industry. Not only do people want to come here but they want to keep returning year on year."

But Ms Ritchie added: "It is a fact, however, that this industry has continued to grow in spite of, rather than due to, the actions of the British Treasury. This area is thriving despite the fact that we face the highest rate of Air Passenger Duty in Europe and are one of only 2 European states to offer absolutely no VAT relief for our tourism industry."

Ms Ritchie said the Irish government had created over 7,000 new jobs in the country's tourism sector as a result of reducing VAT.

"I am not proposing an unfunded, unfettered tax giveaway. This will create jobs, grow the economy and increase tax take along the way. George Osborne’s Autumn Statement is fast approaching and he has the opportunity to take positive action on the North’s economy. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss and I will continue my campaign to help our local industry."

(IT/MH)