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PSA backs ABTA over increase in APD

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) is giving its support to the campaign by ABTA calling on the Government to rethink its plans to substantially increase Air Passenger Duty (APD).

p>The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) is giving its support to the campaign by ABTA calling on the Government to rethink its plans to substantially increase Air Passenger Duty (APD).

ABTA chairman John McEwan has called on travel bodies to unite on the issue and the PSA has responded by adding its weight to the campaign for a review of the planned increases which will have a significant effect on cruise lines offering fly/cruise holidays to long-haul destinations such as the Caribbean.

Director of the PSA, Bill Gibbons, said: ?The increases in APD on long-haul flights are likely to have a considerable impact on the industry and the economies of many developing countries.

?Last year 194,000 passengers took a fly/cruise to the Caribbean and it is inevitable people will think twice when faced with such a high tax. We will work hand in hand with ABTA to ensure there?s a concerted industry effort and combined voice on this issue.?