The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is deeply disappointed by the UK Treasury’s announcement on November 29, 2011 that Air Passenger Duty rates to the Caribbean out of the UK will increase by 8% starting in April 2012.
The UK Government will publish its response to the consultation on APD reform on December 6, 2011. This document will set out the UK’s view on the representations that have been made by the Caribbean, its airline partners, the community in the UK and others.
CHTA will wait until publication of this document before making a full statement.
Data suggests that APD increases in the past two years have contributed significantly to falling arrivals from the UK, a prime source market for visitors for many Caribbean destinations.
Any failure by the British Government to address the discriminatory nature of the banding system will be deeply concerning and will justify the strongest possible condemnation by Caribbean Governments and territories.
