South Africa Tourism Board condemns Air Passenger Duty Tax

South African Tourism supports the global call for a review of the exorbitant Air Passenger Duty (APD) taxes imposed on international tourist flows by the United Kingdom. These unilateral taxes have a detrimental effect on international travel at a time when the world tourism industry is recovering from the global economic crisis.

Initially introduced as a ‘green’ tax by the United Kingdom, this tax is now clearly aimed at revenue–generation. These taxes, when combined with the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System (ETS), are leading to double taxation and are distorting markets. Its impact is particularly severe on long-haul destinations where there are no alternative means of travel, unlike short-haul destinations in Europe for instance, who can still rely on travel by ferry, car or rail.


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