Would re-introducing tax free shopping boost the recovery of the UK’s tourism industry?
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee will question Ministers from the Treasury, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Office, to consider whether departments are working together effectively to support the recovery of the UK’s tourism industry.
Meeting details
This ministerial session comes after a previous session in November where Members questioned the likes of VisitBritain/Visit England and the Association of International Retail on the Government's decision to remove tax-free shopping for tourists.
Britain is the only European country not to offer tax-free shopping to non-EU international visitors, and MPs are likely to examine how this impacts the UK’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. They may also ask about the Treasury’s review of the policy, which the Chancellor announced at the Autumn Statement.
MPs are also likely to question the Ministers about a plethora of other issues that are affecting the UK tourism industry post-pandemic. These could include visa fees for overseas visitors, staff shortages in hospitality and the international marketing of the UK as a holiday destination, including VisitBritain’s funding.