Hoteliers and restauranteurs meet Government to discuss VAT rate reduction

Many hospitality and tourism operators are struggling to cope with operating costs, tight margins and reduced profitability.Representatives including the LVA and Irish Tourism Industry Confederation are meeting TDs and Senators today ahead of Budget 2025.They’re calling for a return to the 9 per cent VAT introduced during the Pandemic and say the industry is struggling with the current 13.5 per cent rate.Chair of the Donegal Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Aisling Arnold, is attending the meeting.She says unless the VAT rate is reduced, it will be very difficult for hotels and businesses to trade going forward.