Eventia campaign to minimise TOMS impact

Eventia has announced a campaign on behalf of the events sector to minimise the negative impacts of proposed changes to legislation covering the Tour Operators' Margin Scheme (TOMS).

Over the past eight months, the government has been consulting with the travel and tourism industries about plans by the European Commission to harmonise the application of TOMS between member states, and some changes are likely to take effect from 1 January 2010.

These changes are likely to have an effect on all companies that supply travel services to business customers.

In particular, the end of TOMS opt-out could have profound effects on the business model and competitiveness of agencies managing events in the UK.

The loss of the opt-in for wholesalers may have an effect on some DMCs.

Eventia is consulting on the scale and implications of the proposed TOMS changes with its members, using as the basis a briefing paper prepared by VAT expert David Bennett of Saffery Champness, in conjunction with the European Tour Operators Association and the Association of British Travel Agents.

Brian Kirsch, chair of Eventia's Regulation Committee, said: 'It is vital that event agencies and DMCs, in particular, provide us with solid factual information on how the proposed changes might impact their businesses in order to inform and strengthen our feedback to government.

Back to top