CTO Blasts UK Government over APD

British authorities have received more criticism over recent increases in air passenger duty (APD), with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) accusing the government of ignoring legitimate protests about the flight tax.

Speaking at a conference in Jamaica, CTO chairman Ricky Skerritt stressed that the duty's negative impact on both the UK and Caribbean economies has been indicated by several research papers and briefings.

Despite this, the British government is 'simply not listening' to arguments against APD, said Mr. Skerritt.

'We now, in collaboration with other organizations, will have to get much more serious on how we address this issue,' he added.

Substantial increases in the flight tax have also received criticism from the World Travel and Tourism Council, which highlighted the economic effects of the policy.

President and chief executive officer David Scowsill said there now exists empirical economic research showing that the duty costs the UK 91,000 jobs and would boost the economy to the tune of £4.2bn if it were brought down from its 'astronomical levels'.