Cut Tourism VAT’s aims are pretty simple, though a more obvious and perhaps succinct statement would be that their stated intentions are pretty self-explanatory. And support for their movement is beginning to grow with political circles as the Liberal Democrats have become the first major party to back them.

During their recent party conference in the south-coast town of Bournemouth, the Lib Dems adopted Cut Tourism VAT’s proposed policy that VAT on domestic tourism should fall to 15%, down from the current 20% level it is at now.

“Local hotels, [bed and breakfasts] and tourist attractions are the backbone of our economy. I would like the Government to reduce VAT for tourist attractions and accommodation to boost UK exports, create more jobs and support our local economy,” newly elected Lim Dem leader Tim Farron said during the conference.

Commenting on the move, Dermot King, the chairman of the Cut Tourism VAT group had the following to say; “I am pleased to see the Liberal Democrats taking up the cause.”

Despite the Lib Dems becoming the first major political party to support the initiative, a group of around 120 MPs are already in favour of a reduction in VAT rates to the tourism sector. One of those, and perhaps one of the most prominent, is Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the Green Party and the MP for Brighton Pavilion.

Speaking previously on the topic Lucas was quoted as saying that “cutting the rate of VAT would allow our growing tourism industry in the UK a chance to continue to shine.”

She has also pointed out that a cut to 15% would put the United Kingdom in line with the majority of mainland Europe where VAT rates are lower for visitor attractions and accommodation facilities, such as hotels etc.

The tourism sector isn’t the only industry to be pushing for a reduction in the tax that they must pay as the food and drink sector have also been protesting the current status quo.

According to figures released by the VAT club, if VAT was cut from 20% to 10%, pubs and restaurants etc. could potentially create 425,000 jobs due to the increased custom that would come around due to a decrease in pricing.