On November 1 an unfair travel tax will come into force. The UK government is increasing Air Passenger Duty in two stages. A family of four travelling economy to the Caribbean will pay £200 in tax from next month, and £300 from November 1 2010.
We accept the government has to raise taxes. But it is discriminatory. The same family of four would pay less in tax to travel to the US because of the crazy new banding system being introduced.
The tax amount depends on how far a country’s capital city is from the UK, so the US West Coast and Hawaii are deemed closer than the Caribbean.
Anyone who sells holidays or flights to the Caribbean for holidaymakers, or to the many Caribbean nationals who live in the UK, know this is unfair.
I’ve never seen the travel industry so united on one issue and we’re doing everything we can to continue to fight for our cause: we’re writing to politicians; our community in the UK is asking them where they stand on this issue in the run-up to the general election; we’re arranging for ministerial meetings with British government; and we have some parliamentarians on our side.
But we still need more support. All we’re asking for is a level playing field so travellers pay the same tax when they fly similar distances.
We have several chances to protest. The government will soon make its pre-budget statement on the 2010 Finance Bill. This will give the Chancellor of the Exchequer the opportunity to announce that he will reband the Caribbean. Any such change would run from November 1 2010, the date when tax on flights to the Caribbean will increase to £73 for economy-class tickets.
If you have a Labour MP ask them to take action now. Please ask them to ask the Chancellor to reband the Caribbean.
If you have Conservative or Liberal MPs please ask them to put this rebanding in place if they come to power.
Our industry is phenomenal when it pulls together. Every one of you can make a difference if you join us in our protest now.
(Help put pressure on the government by signing a petition against the planned APD rise on number10.gov.uk – Ed.)
Carol Hay, director of marketing UK and Europe, Caribbean Tourism Organization