Home
FacebookSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

WTTC slams UK’s ETA as tourism barrier

06 Apr 2025
WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson. 
Comments | 0

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has strongly criticised the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which came into effect for European visa-exempt travellers on April 2.

WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson, has called it an unnecessary financial burden on international travellers and a potential threat to the country’s tourism industry.

She condemned the policy, arguing that it contradicted the UK government’s supposed commitment to economic growth.

“This completely undermines the UK’s growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists,” said Simpson.

The ETA, which requires visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorisation, adds yet another cost to travel in a country that is already among the most expensive to visit, according to Simpson.

She highlighted several factors that made the UK a costly destination, including high VAT, Air Passenger Duty, and the absence of tax-free shopping for international visitors.

“Travel and tourism contribute more than £280bn (R6,9trn) to the UK economy and supports over four million jobs across the country, and our businesses pay £100bn (R2,4trn) annually to the Treasury in tax revenues. Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to focus on growing the economy, and protecting jobs, not introducing policies that jeopardise them.”

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

SA travellers look to northern Europe

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Airlink expands codeshares with Emirates and Air France

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Airports begin lifting EU liquid limits

Yesterday
Comments | 0

US warns Europe over flight caps

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Feature: Local EV rental market warms up

Yesterday
Comments | 0

KQ, WestJet sign interline agreement

Yesterday
Comments | 0

NCL unveils 2027 itineraries

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Disney World to launch animation showcase

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (29 Jul '25)

Yesterday
Comments | 0

SAA to launch CPT-MRU route

28 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Southern Sun secures new Umhlanga hotel

28 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

The next chapter for RMS St Helena

28 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Feature: Car Hire Brokers: 27 years of reliable rentals

28 Jul 2025
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

Travel technology July 2025
The Mediterranean July 2025

Poll

Does your company run an internship programme for new entrants in the industry?
Yes (24%)
No (76%)
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News