Levy proposal attacked by tourism body

Levy proposal attacked by tourism body
By admin


A report suggesting a levy be added to the cost of a passport or airline ticket in order to fund better overseas consular services has been attacked by industry bodies.

The Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) slated the proposal, contained in Lowy Institute study, insisting tourists are burdened with enough taxes.

Soaring outbound travel has already increased revenue from passports and the passenger movement charge which is sufficient to fund consular services, acting chief executive Trent Zimmerman said.

"Passenger movement charge revenue from Australians travelling overseas has trebled over the last 10 years…while revenue from passport charges has also risen with a standard adult passport now costing $238, up from $144 in 2002, a 65% increase," he said. "Greater provision for consular assistance is one of the factors behind that price spike."

Tourism is being hit with a "barrage of taxes and chrages" which deters overseas tourists, he said.

"The sector already contributes enough to cover and additional spending on consular assistance for Australians overseas," Zimmerman said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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