West End: Tourist tax ‘disadvantage’ costs retailers hundreds of millions September 16, 2024 Retail business in London missed out on a projected £220m in the first half of 2024 due to the ongoing effect of the so-called tourist tax, despite continued growth in international visitor numbers. The number of international visitors to London was three per cent above pre-pandemic levels, but spending in the West End fell nearly [...]
Kurt Geiger boss joins list of retailers slamming the end of tax-free shopping September 2, 2024 Kurt Geiger’s boss has said the UK is shooting itself in the foot by not bringing back tax-free shopping for international visitors. Kurt Geiger’s chief executive, Neil Clifford, told The Times that the end of VAT-free shopping has had a “massively negative effect” on Britain”. “International tourists, whether it be Middle Eastern or American travellers, [...]
A Manifesto for London: Bins, beer, Uber boats and free chickens June 4, 2024 The General Election will undoubtedly feature many pledges, but will they prioritise London? Morning Wire is here to stand up for the capital with a Manifesto for London
Tourist tax puts us at a competitive disadvantage, says Gatwick boss June 2, 2024 The UK's tourist tax is putting Gatwick at a "competitive disadvantage" to rival European hubs, according to its chief executive.
London’s West End gets welcome boost with return of foreign tourists May 23, 2024 An influx of foreign tourists over the past 12 months has delivered a boost for the West End's biggest landlord, Shaftesbury Capital, as it reveals its first financial results since its £3.5 bn takeover last year.
Sir Paul Smith takes aim at tourist tax as foreign shoppers ditch Mayfair for Milan May 12, 2024 Fashion legend Sir Paul Smith has joined the long list of business figures frustrated by the scrapping of VAT-free shopping for international visitors.
London’s tourist tax: 63 per cent of international tourists would spend more if levy was scrapped March 1, 2024 Some 63 per cent of international tourists would be more likely to make large purchases in the UK if tax-free shopping was re-introduced, fresh polling has revealed. The bombshell data, launched before the Spring Budget, where there have been rumours it could be scrapped, is based on a study of 8,000 people from the USA, [...]
Heathrow chief: Scrapping London tourist tax is ‘critical for the UK’ February 21, 2024 Retail businesses and a host of airports have since pleaded for the government to reinstate the tax break, with wealthy international shoppers choosing to splash their cash elsewhere.