APD punishing luxury yacht charter customers

Nov 24th, 2009
The Air Passenger Duty (APD) imposed by the UK government is punishing yacht charter customers heading to the Caribbean and support for ditching it is increasing.

The latest expert to criticise the levy is Air Berlin country manager Titus Johnson, who explained that the tax is not used for environmental purposes and is counterproductive in that it is harming the UK travel industry.

With air traveller charges worked out based on the distance from their destination nation's capital to the UK, Caribbean private luxury yacht charter customers are forced to pay more than those heading to the US, including Hawaii and the west coast.

"The UK already imposes the highest rates of aviation taxation in the world, with additional significant increases in November 2009 and 2010," explained Mr Johnson, adding that the London Olympics are likely to suffer from a lack of international visitors due to APD.

InsureandGo research shows that in the year to August 2009, more than 1,000 weekly flights to and from the UK were cancelled due to a lack of passengers caused by the recession.

It suggested that the ADP rises could make matters worse and wreak havoc in the travel industry.

Brits wishing to travel the Caribbean in style could do so aboard the RM Elegant luxury super yacht, which sleeps up to 30 guests.

Posted by Melacina Clarinda