L
eading figures in London’s cultural sector have added their voices to the refrain of criticism of the Government’s refusal to revive VAT -free searching for international vacationers.
They say that the so-called “tourist tax ” is hitting attendances at theatres and different venues at a time after they can least afford the lack of revenue.
Tax free searching for international guests, which saves them 20% on their eligible spending, was scrapped by then Chancellor Rishi Sunak firstly of 2021 when Brexit got here into impact.
The Treasury has argued that the perk primarily benefited central London and was not a significant lure for abroad guests.
But one of many West End’s most influential producers, Sonia Friedman, whose exhibits embrace Patriots, the Book of Mormon and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, stated Theatreland and the broader central London economic system couldn’t be supported by home guests alone “especially during the summer months”.
She advised The Stage newspaper and web site: “Anything that makes travelling to the UK less appealing at a moment when entire industries, theatre included, are still building back is inherently self-defeating. To reimpose VAT on international visitors is essentially to introduce an outright tourist tax at the worst possible moment.
“We continue to navigate a complicated path back to fully reinvigorate the theatre sector, and it is essential to encourage tourists back to our cities: the greater the footfall, the better for all businesses across the West End and beyond.”
Her warning was echoed by CEO of the Royal Opera House Alex Beard, who referred to as the present state of affairs “a disincentive to overseas visitors extending their stays in London and beyond”. “There’s much evidence Milan, Madrid, Berlin and Paris are benefiting. As a result, London is doing far less well than our European competitors, with a direct impact on the potential overseas tourist market for the UK performing arts sector.”
Neil Constable, chief govt of Shakespeare’s Globe on Bankside, described his venue as “a prime attraction in the UK for foreign visitors”.
But he stated the pandemic had created a “hugely challenging environment for everyone in the UK… So it’s more important than ever to find long-term solutions to create an economically and culturally successful future,” he stated, including, “we have seen a direct effect on our income streams with the missing percentage of previously reliable tourist spend at the Globe.”
The calls had been echoed by enterprise chief Ros Morgan, who heads the Heart of London Business Alliance, representing merchants within the West End “entertainment district”.
Writing within the Standard as we speak she stated:”The Government should evaluate the information and contemplate reinstating tax-free purchasing to incentivise folks from abroad to go to the UK and assist spur financial progress.”
