Departure tax backflip boosts Australian tourism

[Mal]

I don't really care about the Australian tourism industry. It is overpriced, under-serviced, rip off, poorly maintained etc etc. They need to be reminded that tourists want "something special", not the faux experience offered now.

However, this news article does seem to indicate frequent flyers are due for a reprieve when travelling overseas:

Departure tax backflip boosts Australian tourism | The Courier-Mail

In a major win for the tourism industry, the Federal Government has been forced to dump plans to increase the passenger-movement charge in line with inflation every year after a controversial $8 hike to $55 from July 1.

Various Governments around the world seem to think that airline travel is a cash-cow (UK in particular ... I am looking at your fake environmental levy), it's refreshing to see some push against that trend.

 

[oz_mark]

I am not sure it will mean much. They will just have to remember to increase it each year in the budget, rather than have it happen automatically!

 

[Mal]

I am not sure it will mean much. They will just have to remember to increase it each year in the budget, rather than have it happen automatically!

Oh, so true...

 

[whatmeworry]

As I have not been following the raises in departure tax too closely over the years, how did it get from $20 to $55?

I reckon all governments should get rid of any tax rises that is tied to inflation.