PM criticised for Indian tourism trip
Tourism chiefs have reacted to David Cameron’s recent trip to India saying that its APD levels that is deterring tourists.
Mary Rance, chief executive of UKinbound said the Prime Minister should "consider taking urgent action to address the UK’s rising flight taxes".
She claims the taxes make a trip to the UK unaffordable for some Indian families.
VisitBritain stated in a recent press release that France now attracts 20% more visitors from India than the UK. Indian tourist numbers to the UK have dropped from 371,000 in 2010 to 348,000 in 2012.
Mary Rance, chief executive of UKinbound, said: "Visitors from India spend on average £900 per stay in the UK, about 60% more than the average visitor, a considerable contribution to the country’s finances.
"The combination of APD and the cumbersome, expensive visa process are a disincentive for anyone planning to visit the UK and certainly do not help the Prime Minister to convey the message that Britain welcomes businesses and tourists."
She added: "As the Prime Minister considers how he can attract more Indian business to Britain he would be well advised to consider taking urgent action to address the UK’s rising flight taxes."
The overall APD tax take increased significantly on April 1, 2012, after the Government implemented an 8% APD increase. Further rises are planned to take effect from April 1, 2013.
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt