UKinbound joins chorus of criticism over APD hikes
UKinbound has become the latest trade body to hit out at government plans to hike Air Passenger Duty charges in a year’s time.
The trade association warned that the move will damage inbound tourism, with long haul and business travellers to the UK being hit particularly hard.
Changes to APD announced on Monday in the Government’s Pre-Budget Report have been widely condemned across the travel industry (see previous TravelMole stories).
UKinbound fears that along with additional taxes, the government’s actions will encourage inbound travellers to choose other destinations.
The changes will mean taxes on flights between the UK and Europe will rise by 10% to £11 in November 2009 and £12 in 2010.
US travellers, the UK’s main market for tourism, will see their taxes rise from £40 to £60 in 2010.
For standard long haul visitors travelling over 6,000 miles (including Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, three key inbound markets), taxes will rise from £40 to £85 in 2010.
Business visitors will also be severely affected with taxes for travellers on any flights above economy rising to anything up to £170 from 2010.
UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: “At a time when the pound is at its weakest level for years, international travellers should be encouraged to holiday here and take advantage of the fantastic value currently offered in the UK.
“Instead the government is imposing higher taxes on long haul visitors and discouraging them to visit.
“The current system of taxing each passenger is said by the government to be a way of helping to reduce carbon emissions.
“There is no proof that this works, but there is proof to suggest that this deters overseas visitors from travelling to the UK in favour of other European countries with less tax to pay.â€
ABTA, airlines and leading tour operators have also condemned the move to a four-tier APD from November 1, 2009.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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