The Advantage Travel Partnership has responded following the Home Office’s proposal to raise the maximum price of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
It proposes a rise from £10 to £16 which was submitted to Parliament n 16 January.
The decision was made to reduce the reliance on the taxpayer. The increase in fees will generate an additional £269 million a year.
Responding to feedback from the aviation industry, the government agreed an interim exemption for passengers who transit airside, and don’t need to pass through UK border control.
“It’s incredibly disappointing to see the government increase the cost of the new ETA fee by 60% even before it’s fully launched,” said Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership.
“Charging international travellers to visit the UK is just another economic policy which will also directly impact the UK outbound travel sector and will only serve as a further blow to consumers.”
“Without a thriving inbound sector, you cannot have a thriving outbound industry. ”
The Advantage Travel Partnership represents independently owned travel agencies and travel management companies, operating across 750 locations throughout the UK.
Collectively, as a global network, members generate over £15.6 billion in global sales annually.
UKInbound also responded: “The decision is a staggering blow to the UK’s tourism industry and businesses across the country. This change comes at the worst time, just as ETA requirements for all non-visa national visitors are rolled out from 2 April,” it said.
“International tourism is a competitive industry and the two key motivators to visit a destination are value for money and the quality of welcome, and this move damages our standing on both fronts.”
