A CAMPAIGN lobbying for VAT to be cut for the tourism industry has urged the Scottish Government to support its fight after the SNP scrapped its pledge to cut Air Passenger Duty.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ditched a manifesto pledge to slash APD, declaring it “no longer compatible with more ambitious climate change targets”.
The move drew a furious response from the business community, with Edinburgh Airport accusing ministers of leading airports and airlines “down a path of failed promises for three years”.
READ MORE: Business leaders furious after £150m tax cut is axed
Tourism bosses said the move was a “significant blow” and now a campaign calling for VAT to be cut to five per cent from 20% has warned it will hit an industry “already burdened with a punitively high tax regime”.
Jack Irvine, director of campaign Cut Tourism VAT, said: “The reversal of a manifesto pledge is further evidence of an administration that takes for granted the enormous contribution of tourism to the Scottish economy.” Claiming the support of 150 MPs, he added: “There has never been a better time for the Scottish Government to pressure Westminster for a nationwide VAT cut on tourism activities.”
The campaign, whose backers include Merlin Entertainments, said cutting VAT to 5% on tourism providers would create jobs.
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