Inbound tourism lobby group the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has outlined 10 measures the Government must take in order to improve and safeguard Ireland’s international competitiveness.
ITIC is calling for the retention of tourism investment in the upcoming budget, such spending vital to stimulate overseas demand, to support business manage cost inflation, and to assist the industry in meeting its sustainability commitments.
A whole of Government approach working with the sector is needed to ensure that appropriate enabling policies, investment and regulations are in place to help to deliver distinctive value propositions, the industry group said.
ITIC also wants the 9% hospitality/tourism VAT rate retained for the duration of the current Government.
It has also called for an “urgent” strategic roadmap and set timeline for addressing the refugee accommodation crisis and its effect on tourism property around the country.
The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme should be expanded and improved upon, ITIC said, while it also wants the reinstatement of the VAT equalisation measure, in October’s Budget, to increase the country’s car hire fleet.
It also wants to see increased insurance reform and the introduction of a comparable tax free shopping regime for GB visitors as pertains throughout the EU.
ITIC said: “Overall, the Irish economy remains internationally competitive. However, there are still critical areas where Ireland currently falls behind our competitor countries, and improvements in these areas could see Ireland maintain or increase its competitiveness in the years ahead.”
