The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has continued its assault on proposed changes to the UK’s Air Passenger Duty (APD).

PATA chapters worldwide are being encouraged to lobby British ambassadors and high commissioners, as part of the association’s commitment to oppose further rises in the so-called ‘tax on tourism’.

Chapters will reinforce PATA’s opposition to APD by highlighting the importance of travel and tourism to their own national and regional economies.

With a further round of tax increases planned for November 2010, travel from the United Kingdom to many long-haul developing markets – such as those in the South Pacific – will become too expensive for many families.

This punitive tax increase also targets popular winter holiday and VFR (visit friends and relatives) destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

All these markets are designated Band D by the UK government – and means a combined travel tax of £340 pounds sterling for a family of four travelling in economy class from November 2010.

Premium cabin passengers face even higher tax bills.

The UK government doubled APD in February 2007 and imposed a further increase last November.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.

In partnership with private and public sector members PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.