THE Welsh Liberal Democrats are leading the call for VAT to be reduced from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on hotels and holiday attractions to boost the tourism industry.

This is part of a Liberal Democrat plan to make Wales and the UK more attractive as a holiday destination and to create a jobs revolution in the sector. It means the UK would follow the lead of 25 out of 28 EU member states who have cut VAT on tourist accommodation and attractions.

The World Economic Forum places Britain in 140th place for price competitiveness for tourism, out of 141 countries.

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Mid & West Wales said: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats will always support business and enterprise, which is why we are campaigning for the reduction of VAT on tourism. Local hotels, B&Bs and our holiday hotspots are the backbone of the Welsh economy and they need more help and support.

See next week’s south editions for the full story