Tourist tax: Heathrow warned Britain’s reputation is at stake
Heathrow has accused the Government of “restricting the UK’s global connectivity” in another blow to the tourist tax.
Europe’s biggest airport has warned that Britain’s reputation is at stake due to uncompetitive policies.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped VAT-free shopping for international visitors in 2020, when he was Chancellor, instantly making shopping 20 per cent more expensive for tourists.
A Heathrow spokesperson said yesterday: “Current government policy is restricting the UK’s global connectivity.”
But the airport also criticized measures such as the introduction of a £10 fee for some passengers.
The electronic travel authorization (ETA) system was introduced last year for those entering or traveling through the UK without legal residence or visa.
Nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan must pay the fee.
It will roll out to the rest of the world this fall and to Europeans next year.