New APD is bad news for Asia, say PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association has warned that smaller Asia Pacific countries will suffer from a drop in UK visitors due to increased APD.
Ian Hawkes, executive director of the UK Chapter, said the new four-tier tax was shortsighted.
“Today’s travellers are being forced to pay for increased security as well as a whole raft of administrative costs.
“At a time when our industry – one that already contributes substantially to the economy – is facing some of its biggest challenges for decades, this decision by the UK government is shortsighted and self-defeating.
“Asia Pacific is a vibrant region and one that has overcome several economic and environmental obstacles in recent years.
“This is bad news for UK travellers and operators for whom the region is a favourite, and it will be especially disappointing for the smaller countries of Asia Pacific who have done so much to make tourism a cornerstone of their economy.â€
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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