Chancellor's summer statement 'a missed opportunity' – Abta

Sunak on Wednesday (8 July) cut the rate of VAT on hospitality and tourism businesses from 20% to 5%, including for hotels, B&Bs, attractions and other tourism businesses.

He also announced a £10pp Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme to encourage people to eat out at select restaurants Monday to Wednesday, as well as a wider £1,000 per employee cushion for employers to encourage job retention when the furlough scheme ends in October.

But there was no bespoke support for the outbound travel sector. “We welcome the chancellor’s announcement, as it is good news for domestic tourism," said Abta.

"However, the lack of backing for outbound tourism represents a missed opportunity, this is a sector that directly provides 220,000 jobs right across the UK and is in urgent need of tailored support.

"We shall continue to press for additional support measures for the travel and tourism industry in the coming weeks.”