The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has slammed the UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) visa programme, which has come into force for European visitors as of this week.
As of Wednesday, European visitors (excluding those from Ireland) – not previously in need of a visa – have to obtain an ETA to enter Britain, at a cost of €10. As of next week (April 9), that cost rises to €16.
While the policy doesn’t impact Irish people visiting the UK, it has raised concerns over inbound Irish tourism, whereby people may be turned off by an added difficulty in visiting attractions in the North.
The WTTC – the world’s foremost representative organisation for the tourism industry – has branded the new visa policy an “own goal” by the UK Government.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “This completely undermines the UK’s growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists.
“International visitors are effectively exports – bringing valuable currency. The UK is one of the most expensive countries to visit – higher than average VAT, Air Passenger Duty, inflated prices fuelled by Employers National Insurance, and absence of tax-free shopping for valued customers. Own goals that damage our economy.
“Travel & Tourism contributes more than £280BN to the UK economy and supports over 4MN jobs across the country, and our businesses pay £100bn annually to the Treasury in tax revenues.
“Prime Minister Starmer needs focus on growing the economy, and protecting jobs, not introduce policies that jeopardise them.”
