ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer has written to the chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling calling on him to address five key issues in his budget on April 22.
The trade organisation has also asked Mr Darling to meet to discuss the industry’s concerns.
The five concerns are:
Tourism taxation
Cutting the taxation burden on both outbound and inbound tourism to help stimulate demand.
Air Passenger Duty
Withdrawing APD or at the very least cancelling the second phase APD increase planned for 1 November 1 2010, as well as rectifying the illogical anomalies in the proposed banding structure.
Financial protection for all air travellers
Emphasising that the failure of the XL Group has graphically highlighted the pressing need for a comprehensive scheme for all air travellers and the inadequate nature of past Government inaction.
VAT
Following EU proposals on a review of the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme, not to make any changes without industry consultation and to provide a reasonable lead in period.
VISA Costs
Reducing the relatively high visa costs for entry to the UK.
- Read a copy of Mark Tanzer’s letter (PDF, 50kb)
- Travel worries: Travolution and ABTA’s Top 5 lists [Travel Weekly Blog]