UK is among the costliest places to travel
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has strongly criticised the United Kingdom’s implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors from Europe, which went into effect on April 2.
In a press statement, Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC contended that this policy undermines the UK’s economic growth by creating another barrier for tourists. She added that foreign tourists were vital to the UK economy because they generated significant revenue.
“International visitors are effectively exports, bringing valuable currency. The UK is one of the most expensive countries to visit, higher than average VAT, Air Passenger Duty, inflated prices fuelled by employers’ national insurance, and absence of tax-free shopping for valued customers. Own goals that damage our economy,” says Simpson.
Julia Simpson
The statement adds that with high VAT rates, air passenger duty, and inflated prices from Employers National Insurance, the UK is already among the costliest places to travel.
“Travel and tourism contributes more than GBP 280 billion to the UK economy and supports over four million jobs across the country, and our businesses pay GBP 100 billion annually to the Treasury in tax revenues,” she adds.
WTTC says tourists are further discouraged by the lack of tax-free shopping.
“Prime Minister Starmer needs to focus on growing the economy, and protecting jobs, not introduce policies that jeopardise them,” Simpson added.
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