WTTC: Job creation and economic growth at risk from APD

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced (05-Dec-2012) job creation and economic growth is at risk following the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer's plans to increase Air Passenger Duty (APD) again in 2013. WTTC said removing APD would result in an additional 91,000 British jobs being created and GBP4.2 billion added to the UK economy within 12 months. WTTC president and CEO David Scowsill said, "Travel & Tourism, of which aviation is the fundamental driver for the UK, generates 2.3 million jobs and contributes over $100 billion to the UK economy every year. While the UK Chancellor's statement stresses the need for the UK economy to find growth opportunities, he has chosen to further tax an industry that helps to sustain millions of jobs in the UK. This tax is damaging the economy at a crucial time, and is having a negative effect on trade with countries in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Rather than recognising the impact of APD on the overall economy and reducing Air Passenger Duty, the UK has opted to further harm the economy and prevent job creation". [more - original PR]