p2 nov28 26/11/08 20:53 Page 2
Damaging APD hike
highlights just what
news
Travel Gives Back
THE CHANCELLOR’s much-hyped tax giveaway did
little to help the travel industry.
As we face challenges from fluctuating fuel prices,
plunging currency values and a hugely risk-averse
atmosphere in the financial markets, the tax man
comes knocking again – just when the industry and
consumers can least afford it.
Far from buoying our sector with promised
this week
incentives and assistance, travel – frequently seen
as a soft touch – is to be penalised yet again.
It’s time government stopped seeing travel as a cash
cow to be milked when it needs to boost its coffers.
Our politicians must recognise the huge benefits
the industry brings, not just to the UK population but
also to the destinations it operates in.
Record-breaker Oasis sets sail
And it must also start appreciating that increased The largest cruise ship ever built, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, has
taxation might threaten that contribution. taken to the water. TTG was in Turku, Finland, to witness the float-out. p20
Instead of seeing outbound travel as an industry
that just exploits in its bid for profit, the government Protection. Stuart Jackson and Alan Maclean
should appreciate the many benefits it brings. Airlines ‘seek to join Atol’ p4 as managing directors of main-
These can be cultural, social and political. Airlines are reported to be stream and specialist businesses,
Intangible, yes; but important, certainly. considering applying to join the following Paul Jolliffe’s departure
We hear plenty of claims about how travel “uses Atol consumer protection scheme
and abuses” destinations but little about how it as the credit industry’s appetite Stansted.
supports and, indeed, sustains communities. for protecting payments wanes AirAsia X promotion p9
In the current climate, withdrawal from, or Malaysian no-frills airline AirAsia
cutbacks to, a range of destinations could be a Closure. X is to start flights between
real and serious consequence of chancellor Alistair Co-op to shut Apollo p4 Stansted and Kuala Lumpur
Darling’s decision to increase Air Passenger Duty. The Co-operative Travel Group is in March. It claimed the London
Abta cites the Caribbean and Kenya as just two to close its Apollo Travel Direct airport could become the European
destinations whose economies depend on tourism, call centre in Rotherham in April. gateway to south-east Asia
particularly from the UK, and which could suffer A consultation period has started
terribly. with the division’s 150 employees Hotels.
So, the launch of our Travel Gives Back Doubletree launch p24
campaign could not have come at a better Budget. Managers of the first Doubletree
time. Government APD blow p5 by Hilton property in London have
We shall raise the profile of the positive Chancellor Alistair Darling has claimed the power of the Hilton
effect travel has, both through its business imposed steep rises in Air Passenger brand will ensure its success
practices and charitable endeavours. Duty from next year after dropping
If we champion good practice and plans to scrap the tax. It will add Air.
inspire more people to get involved, £45 to the cost of a flight to $20bn order shortfall p26
the huge contribution our Australia Airlines are said to be facing a
industry makes should never $20 billion shortfall in funds to
be overlooked by government Cruise. pay for orders that were placed
again. Hold a steady course p6 with aircraft manufacturers
To see what others are already Weakening demand is expected to before the global downturn
doing, and how you can get involved, see cruise prices fall next year, but
read all about our Travel Gives Back the sector has been advised to hold SECTORS.
campaign, p10-12 its nerve and not discount too much Cruise p20
Operators p22
Appointments. Hotels & resorts p24
Lucy Huxley Editor Cosmos splits role p7 Air p26
Cosmos Holidays has appointed Business travel p28
02 28.11.2008
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