For instance, non-UK citizens travelling in Britain UK coming from Spain as well as the United States require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is currently priced at PS10 however the British government plans to increase the cost to PS16 this week. The government made the announcement, which caused a lot of discontent among the populace. Tourism and airline industry International Air Transport Association (IATA) is opposed to the Home Office’s plans to raise costs for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) by 60%, to GBP 16. Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA said: “The proposal to increase IATA costs is a mere shock a week after the system was put into place. If it is implemented, it will be a blow to the tourism industry in the UK. It will come as an outrage.
“In November, the government announced plans to boost the number of tourists by 30%, to 50 million per year by 2030 in an effort to maximize the economy that come from tourism. The idea of threatening these tourists with a by a 60% increase in ETA is not a great beginning.The extra cost will be in addition to Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is the largest travel tax that will rise once more in April. Let’s not forget that travellers can choose their own options, and the ETIAS offered by the EU ETIAS will provide far better price – at around one third of this estimated price and lasting up to a whole year.
“It is now time to ask to the UK Government to look at the larger perspective. There is a lot to gain from making the UK an increasingly cost-effective destination for travel, including the huge tax revenues that tourists generate. There’s no need in dissuading visitors with high costs prior to their arrival within the country.
UK tourism and aviation currently support 1.6 million jobs and contributes US$160.7 billion of UK GDP. Luke Peterbridge, director of public affairs for ABTA and public affairs, stated: “We welcome the removal of the eTA requirement for passengers who are in transit within the UK since it helps in ensuring the long-term viability of essential air links.
“However the increase of 60% in the cost of obtaining visas brings another tax hike for the tourism and travel industry which could hinder growth. After the hike in airline passenger fees announced in the most recent Budget we’re seeing an increase in costs in a field that is expected to grow rapidly. Tourism and travel should be taxed appropriately“Too many growth opportunities could result in a decrease in demand, leaving an incredibly successful sector left behind.”
