LOC11:09
08:09 GMT
LONDON, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- The new-year rise in VAT is set to make the UK
unaffordable to many would-be visitors from overseas, a poll showed Thursday.
The increase from 17.5% to 20% will mean UK holidays will be "too
expensive", according to 24% of 3,200 worldwide travellers surveyed by the
"TripAdvisor" company.
In addition, a further 26% were still undecided as to whether the tax hike
would deter them from holidaying in Britain next year.
The survey also showed that around a quarter of Britons reckoned the VAT
rise could make domestic holidays in 2011 too expensive.
TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma O'Boyle said: "The UK is one of Europe's most
popular holiday destinations, with London in particular regarded as a
world-class shopping hub.
"With a quarter of both continental European and British travellers anxious
about a UK holiday because of the VAT increase, we may see some excellent
travel deals in 2011 as the British tourism industry works hard to be seen as
an attractive and competitive holiday option." (end).
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KUNA 181109 Nov 10NNNN