New figures show spending in Paris, Milan and Madrid soars as London flatlines. Full article
London losing billions of pounds of tourist spending to rival European cities says new report| This Standard
New figures show spending in Paris, Milan and Madrid soars as London flatlines. Full article
The tourist tax is costing Britain| The New Statesman
Britain today is missing a golden opportunity – one that would boost public finances, unlock investment across every region, and strengthen the competitiveness of our economy. I’m talking about tax-free shopping. Full article
Tourist tax blamed as foreign holidaymakers shun the UK| This is Money
Labour’s refusal to scrap the hated tourist tax has been blamed as visits to the UK languish below pre-pandemic levels. More than 500 business leaders have backed a Mail campaign to bring back the VAT refund scheme for foreign visitors, arguing it would encourage tourists to come to the UK. The number of people visiting the UK was still 1 per … Read More
UK Retailers Want Tax-Free Shopping Back or Risk Losing Tourists to Europe| UK ETA
British retailers and business leaders are pushing the United Kingdom (UK) Government to reintroduce tax‑free shopping for tourists. They claim that this approach can increase tourism spending, create jobs, and enhance the country’s ability to attract visitors. Full article
Rachel Reeves must heed this message – it’s an economic necessity for UK| The Express
New figures show that in the UK, our post-Covid tourism recovery has been weaker than elsewhere in Europe. The figures on tourist spending are stark: last year in the UK, it stood at 92% of 2019 levels compared to 106% in Spain and 110% in France. Full article
Gallery chain boss warns tourist tax is forcing wealthy art collectors abroad| This is Money
In 2021, the Government ended the ability for overseas tourists to claim back the 20 per cent VAT levied on shopping, in a move criticised by retailers, hoteliers and hospitality firms for dealing a blow to the economy, with foreign shoppers turning elsewhere for deals. Full article
This secret ‘tax’ is putting tourists off spending their money in the UK| The Standard
Walk down any of London’s shopping streets today and you’ll notice something missing – not the designer shops or beautiful window displays, but the international tourists. The visitors who once spent freely in our stores, stayed in our hotels, dined in our restaurants and enriched the whole economy are no longer coming to our great city. Full article
AIR submits appeal lobbying UK Government for VAT-free shopping| T R Business
The Association of International Retail (AIR) has submitted a growth plan appeal to the Visitor Economy Advisory Council within the UK Government, lobbying for the introduction of VAT-free shopping for all international visitors to the UK. Full article
UK shopper spend in EU “soaring” due to tax-free shopping says retail body| Fashion Network
A renewed call to reinstate tourist tax-free (that is, VAT-free) shopping in the UK comes after the latest data shows domestic shoppers are “deserting” UK stores and “flocking” to the EU to take advantage of… tax-free shopping. Full article