Chancellor George Osborne has been delivering his budget today. And it’s not been as severe as many might have feared. Here’s a handful of reasons why it might be good for tourism in the UK:
1. Motoring costs should fall
1p per litre cut in fuel duty might not sound like much but it’s more than was expected and this, coupled with the cancellation in a fuel duty escalator proposed by the last government, should help alleviate the fears of some wary motorists. The inflation rise in fuel duty planned for next month is also been deferred until next year.
2. Investment in the rail network
Regional railways in England are to receive support to the tune of £200m. It’s probably modest in the scale of things but better than nothing at a time when almost everything else is facing cuts.
3. No more tax on alcohol
Pubs have had it hard of late. Whilst many might continue to struggle, at least there might be some respite in there being no additional changes to alcohol duty rates – something the restaurants will no doubt welcome, also.
4. Air Passenger Duty
Although put on hold, the Air Passenger Duty rise has only been delayed for the time being, rather than scrapped. The UK’s APD remains 8.5 times higher than the European average making overseas a less attractive proposition. UK residents are bound to look more at the UK as a viable alternative to an overseas holiday.
5. Consumer confidence
Consumer confidence should not be too badly shaken by any of the measures proposed in the budget. This should mean that any holiday plans are less likely to be affected.
