Ryanair has joined calls for the government to scrap Air Passenger Duty.
The no-frills carrier described APD as a “£10 tourist tax” which is “nothing short of tourism suicide”.
If the traffic collapse of the first five months continues for the full year, the UK economy will lose over 10 million passengers, over 10,000 airport jobs and over £2.5 billion in tourism spend in 2009 alone, with the government losing at least £350 million in VAT receipts, the Irish cheap fares airline claimed.
Ryanair calls on the UK to follow other European countries in scrapping similar taxes to prevent a further collapse in UK tourism and related jobs next winter.
A spokesman said: “This £10 tourist tax is nothing short of tourism suicide as the UK government will lose over 10,000 jobs and more than £2.5 billion in tourism spend this year alone.
“The government must follow the example of their Belgian, Dutch, Greek and Spanish counterparts by immediately scrapping their stupid and regressive tourist tax in an effort to avoid any further devastation to tourism and jobs.
“Tourism is one of the UK’s most important industries and employers. It responds quickly to price increases.
“The government’s £10 tourist tax is making UK an uncompetitive destination and they must act now to save vital tourism”.
by Phil Davies
