Duty-free shops for arriving passengers would boost growth and tourism, says MP

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The introduction of duty-free shopping on arrival at airports, international rail and ferry terminals would support economic growth and boost tourism, a Tory MP has said. It is clear that the introduction of arrivals duty-free stores would support economic growth and provide a timely boost to the recovery of aviation travel and tourism from the pandemic Tory MP Henry Smith Speaking during an adjournment debate in the Commons, Mr Smith said: “We know that over 60 countries have now implemented duty free on arrival, including most major travel hubs in Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, as well as fellow non-EU countries. “If the EU implemented arrival duty-free stores before we do, it would have a very detrimental effect on British ports of entry.” He added: “Such a plan for arrivals duty-free is under active consideration by the European Commission as part of the directorate-general taxation and customs union review into travel and tourism taxation. “Introducing arrivals duty-free would be the only way that we would be able to level that field.” Mr Smith went on: “It is clear that the introduction of arrivals duty-free stores would support economic growth and provide a timely boost to the recovery of aviation travel and tourism from the pandemic.