APD 'having a negative impact on UK travel industry'
Nov 12th, 2009
The Air Passenger Duty (APD) rise that has caused uproar in the Caribbean travel industry could be damaging the UK market, it has been suggested.The way the tax is worked out has meant that visitors to the tropical archipelago end up paying more than those flying to the US - even though many parts of the country are further away than the Caribbean.
It is because the levy is based on the distance of the capital city to the UK, meaning travellers heading to California pay less than those heading to Antigua or Jamaica.
However, the charges, which rose on November 1st and will increase again in 2010, are having a negative impact on the entire UK travel scene, according to Euromonitor International.
Global travel and tourism manager Caroline Bremner explained that countries like the Netherlands have already abandoned APD as they realised they were losing revenue.
She revealed that while online bookings had increased by four per cent in 2009, the overall travel market in the UK is set to shrink by around one per cent.
Those who do head to the Caribbean to enjoy its turquoise water and white sandy beaches could charter a private luxury yacht such as the Argonauta V, which is a 62-ft crewed sailboat from Sunreef Yachts.
Posted by Chris Yates
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
