Face to Face: There is optimism for the future of group travel, says the outgoing chief executive of the Association of Group Travel Organisers Mike Bugsgang – page 10


Report warns a new Wales tourism tax would hit economy


A Welsh tourism tax could damage the economy and increase social exclusion, warns a report. Tourism expert Professor


Annette Pritchard was commissioned to write the report by the Wales Tourism Alliance, because the Welsh government is considering such a tax. Her report said: “The UK tourism


industry has one of the world’s highest tax burdens. Most European countries have significantly reduced VAT on their tourism industries to encourage growth, employment and revenue. The imposition of higher taxes has been shown to inhibit growth, employment, revenue and holiday-taking. “Tourism outperforms all Welsh


government priority sectors and is the country’s second-largest employer. A proposed tourism tax will damage its economic performance, brand and prospects. “It will also increase social


exclusion; undermine policies to create a more healthy and active Wales; limit opportunities for economic growth in Welsh- speaking heartlands; and disproportionately impact those least able to afford to take a holiday.” Alliance chair Adrian Barsby


warned: “This will damage the growth potential of the industry at a time when post-Brexit it may be called upon to play an even greater role in the Welsh economy. “A tax on tourism businesses


would damage local economies and affect employment prospects by


making us less competitive.” � Wales feature p26-28


Cardiff Bay Bayeux Tapestry to return to UK By Samantha Mayling


Prime minister Theresa May has announced that the Bayeux Tapestry will return to the UK for the first time since it was created in England more than 900 years ago. The unique 70-metre long


tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman Conquest, will be put on public display in 2022. May said: “The loan of the


tapestry will form part of a wider cultural exchange taking place between Britain and France over the next four years.” Culture secretary Matt Hancock


added: “The Bayeux Tapestry is a fundamental symbol of our history as neighbours. Its arrival in the UK is a tribute to the strength of our relationship now and in the future.


“We are committed to opening


up the UK to the best culture and history the world has to offer. “This year Liverpool will


welcome the Terracotta Warriors from ancient China and we look forward to hosting the Bayeux Tapestry. “The UK is home to some of the


London attractions welcomed fewer visitors last summer


The number of visitors to attractions in London fell last summer, compared with summer 2016, said London & Partners. From July to September 2017,


London’s attractions clocked up 16.8 million admissions, down 6% year-on-year. Although the UK continued


to welcome record numbers of overseas visitors during this period, the volume of domestic visits declined – which is likely to have contributed to the overall drop in admissions. The report also found that free


attractions experienced a slightly higher decline in admissions than paid attractions. Also, two-thirds of attractions


located in Zone 1 recorded year-on- year declines compared with one- third of those located in Zones 2-6. Galleries and maritime attractions


reported the biggest declines at 9%; entertainment attractions experienced a 6% drop; and


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leading museums in the world and by showcasing works of national and international interest we will ensure the UK remains a go-to destination for arts and culture.” The tapestry will come to the


UK while its current home, the Bayeux Museum, undergoes refurbishment.


Trade welcomes talk of post-Brexit shake-up of APD


Domestic flights could cost less after the UK leaves the European Union, as the government considers a review of Air Passenger Duty. EU rules prevent the return leg


of domestic flights being exempt from the aviation tax. Short-haul domestic flights incur a £13 levy. Exchequer secretary Robert


heritage attractions saw a 2% drop. Royal attractions and garden


attractions, however, reported a 3% increase in admissions. Museums experienced the largest increase in admissions at 7%. Overall admissions to attractions


continued to decline in October 2017, with attractions reporting an overall drop of 12.9% compared with October 2016.


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Jenrick MP said the Treasury may change the double taxation of UK domestic flights after Brexit. Tim Cade, a spokesperson for A


Fair Tax on Flying campaign, said: “It is encouraging that the new minister has stated the government could look at reducing domestic APD post-Brexit. “However, we believe that he


should look at reducing APD for all flights, to demonstrate that the UK is open for business as Brexit approaches. “APD is the highest of any form of


aviation taxation in the EU and acts as a tax on consumers and on trade.”


February 2018 | TravelGBI 5


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