Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “This completely undermines the UK’s growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists.
 
“International visitors are effectively exports - bringing valuable currency. The UK is one of the most expensive countries to visit - higher than average VAT, Air Passenger Duty, inflated prices fuelled by Employers National Insurance, and absence of tax-free shopping for valued customers. Own goals that damage our economy. 
 
“Travel & Tourism contributes more than £280BN to the UK economy and supports over 4MN jobs across the country, and our businesses pay £100BN annually to the Treasury in tax revenues.

“Prime Minister Starmer needs focus on growing the economy, and protecting jobs, not introduce policies that jeopardise them.”