Hoteliers welcomes the commitment in the proposed programme for Government to bring forward measures to support SMEs within the hospitality sector, including in relation to VAT.
Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) President Michael Magner said: “A decision to reduce the rate of VAT for food service businesses would be a very welcome development. It would greatly assist the many vulnerable food-led businesses that have faced an uncertain future and escalating cost challenges in recent years. This would be an important step toward putting these businesses on a more stable footing.”
“We see enormous opportunities for further development of tourism and hospitality as a major engine for growth and economic prosperity the length and breadth of the country. With the right policies and a positive businesses environment, we believe tourism and hospitality has a bright future ahead.”
Aaron Mansworth is Managing Director of Trigon Hotels which includes The Metropole Hotel and the Cork International Hotel.
He commented: “We welcome the news that the Government is planning to reduce the VAT rate to 9% and we are glad to see that those who’ve been elected to Dáil Éireann are listening to the ongoing calls from the hospitality sector to bring the rate back to 9%. It’s been a particularly difficult time for the sector and unfortunately we have seen many businesses forced to close due to the challenges they’ve been faced with. We really believe a reduction in the VAT rate will help to boost the sector and will restore confidence in the food and hospitality industry that has a real opportunity to thrive in Ireland.”
