ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer has written today to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling calling on him to address urgently five key industry issues in his next budget.

• Tourism Taxation – Cutting the taxation burden on both outbound and inbound tourism to help stimulate demand.
   
• Air Passenger Duty – Consider withdrawing APD or at the very least cancelling the second phase increase planned for 1 November 2010, as well as rectifying the illogical anomalies in the proposed banding structure.
   
• Financial Protection for all Air Travellers – Emphasising that the failure of the XL Group has graphically highlighted the pressing need for a comprehensive scheme for all air travellers and the inadequate nature of past Government inaction.
   
• VAT – Following EU proposals on a review of the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme, not to make any changes without industry consultation and to provide a reasonable lead in period.
   
• VISA Costs – To reduce the relatively high visa costs for entry to the UK.

ABTA has also asked Mr Darling to meet to discuss these concerns.