Government gift card designed to boost hospitality spend

£500K project labelled 'biggest ever buy local initiative'

People are being urged to buy a new government gift card to boost spend in the local economy in the New Year.

The Department for Enterprise has branded the half a million pound LoveIOM idea the 'biggest ever buy local initiative'.

A limited number of the cards – which are available digitally and in physical form - are available with a bonus credit of 25 per cent (capped at £10). 

Food, alcohol and accommodation can be purchased using the gift card in a bid to aid the hospitality industry in traditionally quieter months.

However certain expenditure – such as gambling, betting and tobacco – is excluded. 

Minister Alex Allinson says the idea was initially suggested by the hospitality industry: 

Gift cards can be used from 4 January 2022. 

You can find out more HERE.