Continued from page 72
eventually abolishing APD” in its response to the government’s Aviation Strategy last week. However, Janson argued:
“Tere is increasing pressure on the industry to ‘green up’. I would like to see some of that [APD] money used to help the industry develop alternative fuels.” Janson did suggest the
government “get rid of the double tax on domestic [return] flights once we are out of the EU”.
VisitBritain policy and
public affairs manager Timothy Jenkins agreed, saying: “It’s very challenging to see APD being cut. Realistically, APD is not going to be reduced.” UKinbound chief executive
Joss Croſt told the forum: “Tere is no geting away from it, tourism is a huge contributor to carbon emissions. People are taking more frequent trips [and] I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more focus on tourism to cut carbon emissions.” EU finance ministers
met last week to discuss an environmental tax on flying, with the Netherlands and France leading efforts to present a tax plan to the incoming European Commission this autumn. Dutch deputy finance
minister Menno Snel said aviation’s “contribution to global warming would be on the [EC] agenda in the first week”. An EC study, published in
May, suggested a 10% tax on fares would reduce emissions by 10%. Airlines for Europe,
representing Europe’s major carriers, hit back, arguing: “Taxes weaken airlines’ ability to invest in new aircraſt.”
Government poised to reveal details of tourism sector deal
Inbound and domestic tourism leaders expect the details of a government sector deal for the industry to be confirmed at any moment. Te government confirmed its
intention to award tourism a sector deal in November. Tourism Alliance director Kurt
Janson said: “Geting a deal over the line is recognition that tourism is a driving force in the economy. When I joined the Tourism Alliance 12 years ago, we had to undertake a ‘Take Tourism Seriously’ lobbying campaign because the government did not get it.” Janson told a Westminster
forum on UK tourism: “I have great
faith it [a sector deal] will prove productive.” VisitBritain policy and public
affairs manager Timothy Jenkins told the forum: “Tis is about being at the top table when the government is considering long- term, strategic planning. Tourism will be one of the areas that is not just considered but consulted. Tis will have a real impact. “We’ve shown we’re a sector that can be relied on by government.’
Leaders fear post-Brexit controls on immigration
Ian Taylor
Industry leaders remain deeply concerned about the impact of post-Brexit restrictions on immigration from the EU. Tourism Alliance director Kurt
Janson told a Westminster forum on UK tourism: “We’re running out of UK nationals who want to and can work in tourism. We are more and more reliant on EU nationals.” He noted EU citizens make up
11% of employees in UK tourism and hospitality, but 45% of those newly employed.
Te UK Migration Advisory
Commitee has proposed that aſter Brexit, UK businesses be allowed to recruit EU workers only for jobs with annual salaries of £30,000 and above. Te government is consulting on
the proposals and home secretary Sajid Javid this week indicated he would reject the cap. UKinbound chief executive
Joss Croſt told the forum: “A lot of people working in tourism do not earn £30,000. Tis is potentially the
70 27 JUNE 2019 Joss Croft
“We’re running out of UK nationals who want to work in tourism. We are more and more reliant on EU nationals”
biggest impact of Brexit.” Janson agreed, saying: “Eighty-five
per cent of London hospitality workers do not earn £30,000. It disregards the worth of the tourism industry.” But he said: “We are talking to
the Home Office [about it]. Abta is finishing a large piece of work on
skills in the sector and UKinbound is also preparing work on this.” Abta’s Travel Maters conference
this week was due to discuss “the growing skills gap” post-Brexit. VisitBritain policy and public
affairs manager Timothy Jenkins said: “Tourism is an international and incredibly mobile industry – needing language skills, hospitality skills, cultural understanding. We need a reserve of international workers.” Te Tourism Alliance, of which
Abta is a member, advocates a four-year youth mobility scheme allowing EU nationals to work in the UK up to the age of 34.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock; Patrick Balls; Gilead Limor
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