Caribbean360: Major airlines join the fight against APD

Major airlines join the fight against APD
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Chris Hoyos on 14/03/2012 12:53:00
 
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wednesday March 14, 2012 – The fight against the Air
Passenger Duty (APD) continues with Caribbean countries now getting support from
international carriers and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
According to the WTTC, over the next 12 months the British government could
collect £2.8 billion in extra tax from air travellers, far more than any
country in the world. In contrast, if the APD is removed, 91, 000 British jobs
could be created and £4.2 billion added to the economy within the same time
frame.
Last Monday, British Airways, Easy Jet, Virgin Atlantic and Ryan Air joined the
petition against the tax, and called on the powers that be to suspend another
scheduled increase for April 1.
According to airline sources, the eight per cent increase will reduce passenger
numbers and hinder the UK’s economic recovery.
If the April 1 increases are implemented, a family of four flying from the UK to
the Caribbean will have to fork out US$625.08 in taxes, compared with US$125.06
in 2005.
The airline sources warned that this could have a domino effect as fewer
families flying would also result into less jobs within the tourism, aviation
and hospitality industries. The sources added that the disproportionate tax on
people’s holidays was also affecting business travel at a time when economies
needed assistance.
Countries throughout the Caribbean and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation have
been lobbying for a reduction and or the removal of the APD. Click here to
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