In an effort to clarify the tax system in which they operate under, the group representing the biggest stakeholders in the Irish meeting planners industry came together in 2010 to agree and recommend a new way of simplifying the way VAT is applied in the meetings sector.
Irish meeting planners, represented by AIPCO (Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers) commissioned a report from KPMG on VAT and how it affects Irish conference organiser’s operational ability and profitability.
The report, which has been submitted to the Irish Revenue Commissioners, recognizes the need for new industry standards in the area of VAT and to radically overhaul the old system which focuses on isolated meetings rather than the overall industry.
Nicola McGrane, Chair of AIPCO said "there is a strong need to simplify the current tax system and allow Irish conference organisers to do what they are best at. An overly complicated tax system means more time is spent on administration and less time on ensuring the customer is happy."
The move is further evidence of the ongoing attempts to integrate the business tourism community in Ireland and to streamline costs in order to offer the greatest value to potential customers thinking about using Ireland as their meeting’s destination.
It is hoped by AIPCO members that the Irish government adopts the reports recommendations and recognizes the efforts made by the business tourism community to actively engage with each other in order to offer a true value alternative to its international rivals.
‘‘It’s only through working together and across multiple disciplines that we’ll be able to rise to the many challenges that face us in the future" continued Nicola McGrane.
"These recommendations will not only bring clarity to the tax situation for meeting planners in Ireland, the initiative itself has also helped further integrate the city’s business tourism industry into a single and effective entity."
