Continued from page 88
scanners are first-rate. They will mean significantly less pressure on the whole security area and massively speed up the flow of passengers. [But] we need whole terminals ready before the restrictions change.” In the meantime, the source
noted: “The messaging to passengers has not changed: ‘Be prepared to remove your liquids and electronic devices.’ Passengers will have to do that for quite some time even if their outbound airport has this facility. They need to be aware of the requirements at the other end of the route.” June will not be the first
deadline missed for relaxing the rules on liquids. The government previously told airports in August 2019 to install the equipment by 2022. This was delayed by the pandemic. As far back as 2011, the
Department for Transport confirmed “our intention that the restrictions on liquids will be lifted by 2013” in line with a European Commission ruling. But airports opposed that deadline, with the head of the Airport Operators Association at the time insisting: “The technology is not mature enough. There are too many false alarms. There are problems with flow rates [and] with different rules for different passengers.” Restrictions on liquids, gels
and aerosols in carry-on bags were introduced in August 2006 after UK authorities foiled a plot to blow up a US-bound aircraft using liquid explosives in cabin luggage. An initial ban subsequently gave way to passengers being permitted up to five 100ml quantities of liquids in a single plastic bag.
Etoa slams ‘opportunistic’ tax hike on Paris visitors
Ian Taylor
Etoa, the European Tourism Association, has hit out at a substantial hike in the overnight tax on accommodation in Paris, describing its imposition as “unprecedented”. An increase in the tax per person
per night of between €3.32 and almost €7, depending on hotel star-rating, was imposed from January 1 without warning. Etoa drew attention to the tax in
an update to members, noting the standard overnight accommodation tax in Paris (taxe de séjour) has increased by about 10% on 2023, with an inflation-linked rise expected. But the Paris regional transport authority, Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), was permitted to add a surcharge on the tax under a new legal provision only published on December 29. This raised the tax rates per
Visitors in five-star hotels must now pay €10.73 a night in tax
authorities as a matter of urgency.” The association told members:
“Unless the law is reversed, suspended pending review or a grace period is introduced, the tax is due if the stay begins in 2024, irrespective of the date the booking was made.” However, Etoa noted: “If
person per night from €3.75 to €10.73 in five-star accommodation, from €2.88 to €8.13 in four star and from €1.88 to €5.20 in three star. The tax is levied only on adults –
children under 18 are excluded – but the increase could still be hefty. Etoa slammed the increase,
saying: “The surcharge is an opportunistic raid on visitors to subsidise regional infrastructure and takes no account of the impact on operators and suppliers. The lack of notice is unprecedented. “We are engaging with local
full payment was made before the end of 2023 there may be a contractual basis to pay no more.” It added: “Cancellation aside,
the options are either to absorb the cost, pass on the cost to the client or require the end consumer to pay on the spot. B2B renegotiation is inevitable, with low-margin business particularly vulnerable.” The surcharge was enabled by a
national budget voted through by the French parliament on December 21 and published on December 29. The association noted: “Etoa had
no notice of this exceptional move and is grateful to members who brought the issue to our attention.”
Hospitality leaders outline obstacles to sustainability
A survey of hospitality business leaders has highlighted challenges to progress on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. It identified the proliferation
of different reporting standards, stakeholder scepticism and lack of engagement, and concerns over the reaction of guests as barriers to
86 25 JANUARY 2024
progress and investment, as well as a lack of skills and knowledge in the industry and among its advisors. The survey of more than 250
hospitality leaders was conducted by King’s Business School in London and the Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA), a coalition of hospitality investors, developers, asset managers and operators. Three out of four respondents
(73%) identified reporting and benchmarking as a key issue. There was concern at the quality of ESG advice available and at conflicting priorities among stakeholders, with one respondent suggesting: “Most
Ufi Ibrahim
hospitality brands are focused on guest satisfaction, not sustainability.” EEA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim
said: “Leaders in the sector are clear that a common approach to tackling and reporting on ESG issues will be a major driver of change.”
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Photocreo Michal Bednarek, aappp, Avigator Fortuner, Kollawat Somsri
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