Speaking in the House of Commons on 19 March introducing the Budget 2014, Chancellor George Osborne, said “From next year, all long haul flights will carry the same lower band B tax rate that you now pay to fly to the United States.” The Chancellor speaks as the Budget 2014 has announced that the government will reform air passenger duty (APD) by abolishing bands C and D from 01 April 2015, a welcomed recognition of the financially detrimental implications of this tax, after lengthy campaigning by associations such as antor as part of the Fair Tax on Flying Campaign.

As an association, antor is encouraged that central Government has accepted research that illustrates the long term negative implications to Britain, in trying to compete on a world stage in attracting the emerging markets, when hindered by taxation. This new dual banding will benefit approximately 30% of antor members. antor Chairman Tracey Poggio commented “It is a tremendous victory for the industry to see Treasury enter dialogue on this issue, ANTOR continues to support the Fair Tax on Flying Alliance which seeks to halt and reduce the current rate of APD. We believe the benefits that will be reaped by decreasing APD to the long haul destinations will further the argument that this is an ineffective mode of taxation in the long run and that its negatives outweigh the positives,”

antor board member, Cherrie Osborne, Director of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority UK says, “For Antigua and Barbuda, an island that is heavily dependent on tourism, today’s announcement of APD reform is a great accomplishment for us and  Caribbean travel. Antigua and Barbuda along with many other supporters have been lobbying against the unfair banding for several years. A reduction in the cost of airfare and economic recovery means we can we can look ahead to some positive growth within in the region.”

-Ends-

For further information contact:

Alison Cryer, Executive Secretariat, antor
Email: secretariat@antor.com                                    
Tel: 0870 241 9084
Web: www.antor.com

About antor

antor is the principal lobbying organisation for the world's tourist offices. Its UK membership comprises national and regional tourist offices which are represented in Britain.

antor 's objectives include providing a fraternal forum for its members to meet and exchange ideas, to forge close relationships with all other sectors of the travel industry; to be recognised as one of the foremost advocates of responsible tourism and to comment on a wide range of issues affecting worldwide travel and tourism.

In the current climate, antor provides a unique opportunity for destinations to work together, pool their resources through joint marketing initiatives and really leverage their marketing spend. Many of our activities would be impossible for most of our destinations to undertake individually but working together we can really raise the profile of your destination.

antor UK is a voluntary, non-political organisation which was established in 1952. It is run by a board of members which is elected each year at the Association's Annual General Meeting.