Travellers to Africa and Caribbean face increased fees
Written by Here&Now365 Ethnic Media News
Sunday, 10 August 2008 06:30
British holidaymakers travelling to African or Caribbean countries face soaring costs if government plans to hike duty charges to certain destinations are executed.
Travellers could pay £50-£100 more per ticket if the plan to increase air passenger duty (APD), which sees destinations banded into different groups as per distance from London, goes through.
Travel agent, Marty Akita, whose agency, Global Konnections, largely covers African destinations, said: “Africa is a poor continent already. People don’t have the money and now they are being forced to pay something they don’t have.”
With regard to his predominantly African clientele, he added: “I’m very concerned. It’s going to be tough for them.”
Interim secretary general for the Caribbean Tourism Board, Hugh Riley, also expressed his concern: “The increases will be substantial. A family of four could end up paying £150 each or £600 in APD taxes. We feel that that kind of onerous amount will not only adversely affect people’s ability to enjoy a vacation in the Caribbean but it could prevent a number of people from travelling home.”
The government has claimed the plans are designed to offset carbon emissions, but critics say they are unfair. The United States has been placed, for example, in a cheaper band than Jamaica.
Campaigners urged the public to write to their local MPs before 7th July, 09 – when a vote on the matter was expected to be made.
