There has recently been a re-emergence of calls to cut VAT on tourist attractions and hotel rooms from 20% to 5%.
It has to be asked that if the attractions calling for the change were granted their wish, would they pass on the full extent of the cuts to their customers?
A £400 family room at the Alton Towers Hotel over the park’s fireworks weekend would be reduced to £350 if a 15-point VAT cut was made and fully passed on to guests.
In 2008, standard VAT was cut from its then 17.5% to 15%, and there were various British businesses that did not pass on the change to their customers, yet increased their prices when it returned to 17.5% in 2010.
Here we take a look at what some UK theme park prices would be like if the current level of 20% VAT became 5%, and ask: would these be the prices we actually see?
- Adventure Island – £21.87 (currently £25)
- Alton Towers – £40.95 (currently £46.80)
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach – £26.24 (currently £29.99)
- Chessington World of Adventures – £37.80 (currently £43.20)
- Drayton Manor – £31.50 (currently £36)
- Fantasy Island – £19.25 (currently £22)
- Flamingo Land – £26.25 (currently £30)
- Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park – £39.90 (currently £45.60)
- Lightwater Valley – £24.50 (currently £28)
- Pleasure Island – £16.18 (currently £18.50)
- Pleasurewood Hills – £16.62 (currently £19)
Prices based on current ‘on the day’ prices at peak times (where applicable).