Agents say public well aware of crippling tax
An overwhelming majority of the public is aware of the air tax which industry experts say is crippling the economy.
In a TravelMole poll, 95% of agents said their clients were aware of air passenger duty. Only 130 agents said their customers weren’t aware of the tax.
Last week, a study commissioned by airlines claimed scrapping the tax would create 60,000 new jobs and generate more income for the Treasury.
Luke Pollard, ABTA head of public affairs and spokesman for the Fair Tax on Flying campaign said: "It’s no wonder 95% of travel agents believe their clients are aware of Air Passenger Duty. It is the highest air tax in the world and is crippling for the economy and bad for ordinary travellers.
"Last year over 200,000 people wrote to their MP asking the Government to undertake an urgent review into APD and with the budget just over a month away the Government must listen to this groundswell of opposition.
"The very fact that nearly all agents believe their clients are aware of APD almost certainly means that this tax serves as a disincentive to travel."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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