Tourism taskforce calls for Vat cut and new bank holiday to help struggling sector

The report comes as aviation representatives, including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, the daa, and Shannon PLC prepare to appear before the Dáil's Committee on Transport and Communications Networks. File Picture.

An immediate Vat cut to 9%, the establishment of a €120m loan scheme to help ailing businesses, and the introduction of a new bank holiday in the off-season are among the key recommendations to help save the tourism and hospitality sector.

Resuming international travel and removing quarantine restrictions are also viewed as key elements in the sector's recovery by the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, which has published its tourism recovery plan (scroll down for full plan) following widespread consultation with stakeholders in the industry.