EasyJet Holidays chief executive Garry Wilson has raised concerns about the escalating costs of family holidays abroad, attributing the increase to green taxes. Wilson criticised some holiday destinations for imposing environmental fees without a transparent allocation of funds towards sustainability initiatives. He highlighted that Spain, Greece, and Tunisia are amongst the countries popular with UK tourists that have implemented or plan to introduce green taxes.
Speaking at the annual convention of travel trade organisation Abta in Costa Navarino, Greece, Wilson emphasised the need for a direct correlation between the fees collected and eco-friendly projects. He pointed out that imposing additional charges without a clear purpose could deter travellers from booking their holidays. Wilson noted that while he understands the underlying intention, tourists deserve clarity on how their contributions are utilised.
Wilson expressed understanding towards taxes directly linked to sustainable practices such as energy-saving measures in accommodations. However, he cautioned against a lack of transparency where revenues are perceived as a way to generate extra income. Highlighting the continuous rise in travel-related taxes, Wilson stressed the importance of considering the impact on customer demand.
A survey conducted by Abta revealed that a significant portion of respondents believed it is the responsibility of travel companies to manage environmental and community impacts of holidays. Concerns raised in the survey encompassed cultural preservation, waste management, plastic pollution, and animal welfare. Abta’s chief executive, Mark Tanzer, emphasised the necessity for destinations implementing visitor charges to demonstrate clear support for local communities.
The survey, conducted by The Nursery Research and Planning with a sample of 2,000 UK adults, aimed to gauge public perception on sustainable tourism practices. The findings underscore the wider industry dialogue on balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community engagement. As international travel faces increasing scrutiny for its ecological footprint, stakeholders are called upon to align policies with sustainable development goals.