A reduction of the VAT on tourism-related services introduced in July 2011 is a compelling reason for incentive trip, conference and corporate meeting organisers to choose Ireland over competing destinations
Demonstrating the value Ireland has to offer. Sarah Dallas, Castlemartyr Resort (right), with Hannah Hall, Poisson Rouge, at a business tourism workshop in London recently.
Visiting delegates to Ireland can enjoy extra change out of every €100 they spend on tourism-related services thanks to a Government intervention.
In July 2011, VAT (value added tax) on tourism-related services was cut from 13.5% to 9%, giving delegates €4.50 change for every €100 they’d budgeted for. This is about enough to sample a pint of the black stuff.
Add a few zeroes to that and there’s a hefty saving for an incentive, corporate meeting or conference in Ireland.
Savings on accommodation and sports activities
So where can organisers and delegates alike experience savings? Here’s some things that should be cheaper than they were in June 2011:
- hotel accommodation and guesthouses
- green fees charged for golf
- associated printing costs
“It’s a very good calling card if you are competing with another destination...It makes a huge difference – one of the first areas your planner will look at is the cost of meeting room hire,” says Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt Jill O’Hare.
Is a 4.5% reduction enough for your organisation to choose Ireland? Or what else is it you like about Ireland’s offering?
Further resources
See the Office of the Revenue Commissioners website for guidelines on the VAT rate that may apply for bookings made prior to 1 July 2011. The Meet in Ireland Practical Information section provides information on reclaiming VAT.