Abta and the travel industry coalition A Fair Tax on Flying plan to step up their campaign over Air Passenger Duty (APD) this summer, as they demand the Treasury undertake a study of the tax’s impact.
Travel association Abta will hold a conference call with members today to discuss details of activities planned over the summer.
A Fair Tax on Flying is demanding the Treasury commission research on APD’s impact on economic growth, employment and the holiday spending of households alongside revenue to the Treasury.
In a message to members, Abta said: “It can be easy to forget the damaging impact of APD. The government has been open in its intention to raise APD higher. It is essential all of us take action to raise awareness with customers and keep up the pressure on our political representatives.”
Abta head of public affair Luke Pollard said: “As millions of Brits prepare for their summer holidays, we’re preparing to step up our work highlighting just how much tax holidaymakers will be paying.
“Alongside other Fair Tax on Flying members, we’ll be launching our summer campaign. We believe APD is damaging not only the UK holiday industry but the wider economy and we’ll be asking Abta members and their customers to join our summer campaign. Abta members wanting to be involved should get in touch with us.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer told the association’s recent Travel Matters conference: “It is good to see the industry come together to campaign on APD, but we didn’t succeed in stopping a rise.
“We have not been good at mobilising customers. MPs say they have never heard anyone in their surgery complaining about APD. Perhaps the next stage of lobbying will need to focus on that.”
However, Tanzer said: “If you highlight tax on an invoice there is a risk customers might think it costs too much. Some members are reluctant to go down this route.”
The Airport Operators Association joined airline representative bodies in leafleting passengers at some airports last summer, pointing out the high level of tax on flights. An Abta spokeswoman said: “Expect more details [of the campaign] in the coming week.”