Foreign Operators Join APD Battle

Foreign Operators Join APD Battle
By Rob Gill

A group of 70 tour operators and business travel agencies from around the world are today urging Chancellor George Osborne to cut Air Passenger Duty in this week’s budget. The US-based Business Travel Coalition (BTC) has written to the chancellor to complain about the effect the increased levels of APD are having on tourism as well as the meetings, conference and incentives market.

Osborne is due to announce the government’s plans for APD during the budget on Wednesday. The BTC letter has been signed by companies from countries including Japan, Dubai, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, US, Canada and Hong Kong.

BTC chairman Kevin Mitchell said:  “The duty has become a burden and flashpoint for the competitiveness of the UK for meetings, incentive trips, conventions and tourism.

“The implications of this tax are not just a great concern for the UK, but tourism destinations around the world are being negatively impacted in places such as the Caribbean and Florida, to name just two destinations.”

BTC has also sent the letter to Michael Moore, secretary of state for Scotland.