22 April 2009

Travelport joins fight against tourism taxes

Travelport has extended its support to ABTA in its fight against tourism taxes.

It said it backed ABTAÃ¢â¬â¢s recent letter to the UK Government, asking the Exchequer to refrain from taking actions that would further harm the faltering UK travel industry.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith an already challenging economic environment and the impact it has had on the travel industry, adding further burdens such as tax hikes and increased passenger duties can certainly discourage travel,Ã¢â¬~ said Jeff Clarke, Travelport president and CEO.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis would be detrimental to the global travel and tourism industry, employment within this sector and the significant part it plays in the worldwide economy.Ã¢â¬~

In the letter to Chancellor Alistair Darling, ABTAÃ¢â¬â¢s chief executive Mark Tanzer urged him to:

- Cut the taxation burden on both outbound and inbound tourism to help stimulate demand.

- Consider withdrawing APD or at the very least cancelling the second phase increase planned for 1 November 2010, as well as rectifying the illogical anomalies in the proposed banding structure.

- Reduce the relatively high visa costs for entry to the UK.

The Budget is due to be announced at 12.30 today.

By Bev Fearis