United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
FTO mounts legal challenge to APD hike
Major tour operators are to mount a legal challenge to the doubling in Air Passenger Duty.
The Federation of Tour Operators and its major holiday company members have obtained advice which suggests that Chancellor Gordon Brown’s doubling of APD is open to legal challenge.
The rise has no statutory authority until the House of Commons passes a resolution (under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968) or until new primary legislation is enacted, the FTO claims.
Neither has yet taken place and the Treasury has no grounds for its action.
“What makes the introduction date even more unfair is that four million holidaymakers had already booked departures after February 1 and tour operators are not able to recover the added tax because of UK rules on holiday prices. This is costing tour operators some £45 million,” the FTO said.
The FTO and ABTA has called upon the government to give the industry a longer period in which to introduce the tax change, as it has always done in the past both when APD was introduced in November 1997 and subsequent changes of rates.
A letter setting out the legal basis of possible claims has been sent to the Chancellor today.
FTO director general Andy Cooper said: “Because the Government to date has not on this occasion been prepared to respond positively to tour operators’ needs, FTO members find themselves with no alternative than to challenge the whole constitutional basis of the tax, and have obtained strong legal advice that a Judicial Review would prove successful.
“This is not a route we would have preferred to pursue, but what is in effect a windfall tax on tour operators of some £45 million cannot go unchallenged.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
EU entry-exit system delayed again
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Carnival Cruise Line hosts Prague getaway for Fun Ambassadors
US tourism hit with UK, Germany travel warnings