Retention of 9% VAT rate and scrapping air travel tax great boost to tourism – Farrell
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has today (Tuesday) said that the retention of the 9% VAT rate for tourism services will be a great boost to the tourism sector in Dublin Fingal. Deputy Farrell, has also warmly welcomed the scrapping of the air travel tax, as introduced by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, as part of Budget 2014.
“I am delighted that Minister Noonan has decided to retain the lower VAT rate for tourism services, which has no doubt played a significant role in boosting visitor numbers here over the last two years.”
“The lower VAT rate has boosted Ireland’s reputation as a high quality, yet affordable destination for visitors from across the globe. The slashing of the air travel tax will no doubt help to open up more routes and make flights to and from Ireland more affordable.”
“The boost in tourism figures is having a direct impact on job creation. Employment in food and accommodation services is up by more than 13% since this Government took office, meaning thousands of additional jobs are being created in the tourism industry. This boost is estimated at 15,000 new jobs by the hospitality sector itself and I hope that this growth can be built upon in 2014.
“Minister Noonan has clearly listened to those involved in the tourism sector, and has taken the pragmatic decision to extend the 9% VAT rate and slash the air travel tax. This will safeguard jobs in the sector and come as very welcome news to everyone involved in the tourism industry in Dublin Fingal.”