ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer is calling on the UK Government to put more resources towards developing emerging technologies to make travel more sustainable.
In his opening speech at the ABTA Convention in Costa Navarino, Greece, this week, Tanzer also urged the new Labour Government to resist any layering of taxes that will push up the price of travel.
“The Government has confirmed a Bill on a Revenue Support Mechanism to encourage investment in the development of our own sustainable fuel industry. That’s a start, but we need to see more central resource put towards the development of these emerging technologies,” he said.
“Without this investment now, the commitment to be using 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuels on all flights by 2030 will be unachievable, or prohibitively expensive.”
He said the forecasts in this year’s Spring Budget shows the funds raised from Air Passenger Duty will rise from £3.8 billion in 2023/24 to £5.9 billion in 2028/29.
“Surely this growing consumer levy should be used – at least in part – to keep UK international travel energy compliant and viable,” said Tanzer.
