Watches of Switzerland is the latest business to blast Labour for its refusal to axe the tourist tax.
Retailers have been fuming after The Mail on Sunday revealed the Treasury had dismissed calls for VAT-free shopping for foreign visitors to be restored at the upcoming Budget.
Britain’s biggest Breitling seller has said the move would be a ‘quick win’ to boost the economy. And the current system means rivals in Paris and Milan are being handed a ‘competitive advantage’.
More than 500 business leaders have backed The Mail’s campaign to bring back the refund scheme, arguing it would encourage tourists to visit the UK.
They have been highlighting the hit to the visitor economy since Rishi Sunak’s much-loathed 2021 move as Chancellor to axe the scheme.
A spokesman for Watches of Switzerland said: ‘If the Government wants to drive economic growth then the restoration of VAT-free shopping is a no-brainer. It would be a quick win.’
Timely move: Watch face: Hollywood actress Charlize Theron advertising Breitling. Watches of Switzerland says restoring VAT-free shopping for foreign visitors would be a ‘quick win’
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