Tourism industry criticises APD increase by Cheap Flights Booker UK

The tourism industry has roundly criticised the British government"s decision to increase air passenger duty (APD) at the World Travel Market.

A summit meeting of more than 100 tourism ministers was held at the industry event in London.

The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) arranged the discussion along with the World Travel Market and called on the government to reconsider its plans to increase the tax.

Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the UNWTO, said: "Tourism is the biggest conduit for the transfer of funds from rich countries to poor ones. The industry acts as a catalyst in many countries; its benefits trickle down to other sectors of the economy yet its impact is not widely acknowledged.

"APD will not only hurt poorer countries but also hurt the UK"s own tour operators. The Dutch tried a similar tax but quickly retracted it. Thailand has dropped 50% of its airport fees and Egypt is considering similar measures."

Geoffrey Lipman, assistant secretary general of the UNWTO, cited the Maldives, where tourism represents 70% of the economy, as an example of a destination that would be severely affected by any reduction in visitor numbers.


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