Tourism chiefs slam 'disastrous' non-EU visitor tax plan 

Proposed changes to the Retail Export Scheme are moving through the Oireachtas via Government’s Brexit Omnibus Bill

Popular spots like The Burren could feel the effects with tourists if tax breaks for tourists are revoked. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation says the south-west region has already lost around €1.2bn this year due to the lack of international tourists.  

Tourism groups have said the passing of a bill proposing changes to the tax-free shopping status of non-EU visitors would be an “own goal” and “disastrous” at a time when in-bound tourism is already on its knees due to Covid flying restrictions.

Proposed changes to the Retail Export Scheme are moving through the Oireachtas via the Government’s Brexit Omnibus Bill. The scheme currently allows non-EU tourists to claim Vat refunds on Irish-made craft and gift items purchased here.