THE chief executive of UKinbound Stephen Dowd has spoken out on the increase of Air Passenger Duty proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s pre budget report (6 December), saying it’s “gesture politics of the worst kind”.

Dowd says: “The chancellor [Gordon Brown] has dealt a severe blow to the inbound tourism industry of the UK just to score points with the environmental lobby.”

In making the pre-budget statement, the chancellor pointed out: “Currently aircraft emissions are not part of the EU emissions trading scheme. Nor is aviation fuel tax.” As the tax increase will have no effect on global carbon emissions, Dowd believes Brown has “taken the easy option causing a disproportionately large burden to fall on the poorest travellers”.

The level of taxation on visitors to the UK is currently the third highest in the world, and the APD increase will have a significant impact on inbound tourism. Dowd says: “The increase will reduce our export earning potential and most likely increase the tourism trade deficit currently running at £17bn a year.

“Tourism needs a fiscal environment that will encourage inward investment to improve the range and quality of the products we offer. This is particularly important in this crucial period leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games but the chancellor has demonstrated that he either does not understand the fragile nature of tourism demand or does not care.”

From February 1 APD will double from £5 to £10 for most journeys – over 75 per cent of them, the report says. On long-haul flights, it will rise to £40 for economy class and will double to £80 in business class.

www.ukinbound.org

MEDWAY COUNCIL has announced the completion of roadworks on Rochester Bridge and is ready to welcome coaches returning to the city.

The area underwent a lengthy scheme to resurface the road along the bridge, which was carried out by Rochester Bridge Trust.

Meanwhile, coach parking, pick-up and drop-off points are available within the city along with driver incentives. When using the dedicated coach set-down and pick-up point at Medway Visitor Centre, drivers can receive a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with a cake from Le Café, based in the centre. A 15-minute waiting restriction applies while using the set-down and pick-up point.

Free coach park and drivers’ facilities are available at Scorn Wharf, situated just 200 yards from the set-down and pick-up point.

www.medway.gov.uk

THE COACH tourism industry’s internet marketing portal Door2Tour.com has reported a huge interest since its official industry launch at last month’s Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham.

Door2Tour.com features online bookings for all its featured tours, and to date a total of 15 operators have signed up to join the site, which the company claims brings the total number of departures to over 20,000.

Although the website is continuing to be updated, it now hosts over 600 pages of original tourist guide content and almost 6,000 images. In addition, promotional videos and GoogleEarth has been fully integrated into the website which enables users to see each tour in greater detail.

Door2Tour.com is also integrated with Roeville System’s new T2000 system and Webres product, and is due to be integrated with Distinctive System’s new TBS and Webpack system, allowing operators using either system to upload their tours on Door2Tour.com within a fortnight.

www.door2tour.com