Merlin Entertainments Passes on VAT Cut Blooloop

Escape the economic gloom for a few hours. Leading UK attraction operator, the Merlin Entertainments Group will reduce the cost of entry to its attractions, passing on the full benefit of the reduction on VAT to all its UK visitors from Monday, Dec 1st.

Merlin operates many of the country’s top attractions including The London Eye; Madame Tussauds; Alton Towers; 10 SEA LIFE attractions; LEGOLAND, Windsor; London Aquarium; Thorpe Park; the Dungeons (London, York and Edinburgh); Chessington World of Adventures and Warwick Castle.

“We believe that the saving should be passed on to the consumer and have moved very quickly to do this, ” said Merlin Chief Executive Nick Varney. “ It is however somewhat ironic that the Government has chosen VAT to make a point at this time. The tourist and leisure industry has lobbied constantly over many years for a reduction in VAT on ticket prices and accommodation, in an effort to make UK attractions competitive with other parts of Europe – where VAT on these items is an average of 5/6%. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy bringing in annual revenues of over £16bn, and in times such as these it has never been more important to sure up that revenue. More than that – as we have always said – such a move would be tax positive, creating a positive surplus to the Treasury in the region of £200m! ”

For further information: Sally Ann Wilkinson/Penny Roberts +00 44 20 8899 6110/ +00 44 7774 415372 saw@thefirmcomms.com