Hoteliers seek cut in VAT rate

HOTELIERS want the rate of VAT reduced as part of December’s Budget in a bid to attract more tourists.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IFH) says that at 13.5% the VAT rate on accommodation and restaurants is the second-highest in Europe and damaging the businesses of many of its members.

The IHF said many businesses have seen their costs spiral and that was leading to higher prices, which was putting off potential tourists coming to Ireland.