ATD tax for children under 12 years to be cut from 1st May 2015, with an extension to under 16’s due in 2016.
The announcement this week by the Chancellor, George Osborne, that APD tax on economy flights for children under 12 years of age would be scrapped for travel from 1st May 2015, was warmly welcomed by the travel industry as well as millions of families across the UK.
APD has been a thorn in the side of the travel industry since its introduction in 1994, with taxes rising steeply over the years, and many Britons argue that the levy prices ordinary families out of overseas holidays.
In the past few years the Caribbean has been somewhat unfairly treated, with taxes being determined by distances in miles in set tax bands, meaning that a 7,000 mile flight to Hawaii would cost less in APD tax than a 4,400 mile flight to Trinidad because the US capital is closer to London. From 2015, however, this will change and along with the scrapping of APD for children under 12 years, the prospect of seeing a boost in family travel to the Caribbean is exciting.
The diverse and welcoming islands of the Caribbean lend themselves to family fun, relaxation and creating happy memories. The removal of APD tax for children is a small but positive step in removing obstacles which may prevent a dream family holiday to the Caribbean from becoming a reality.
Islands such as Barbados and Antigua have an abundance of excellent family-friendly accommodations, with larger rooms and suites, entertainment for all ages and all-inclusive or room-only board options to suit all budgets and tastes. Hotels are upping their games with offers and product: Moon Palace Jamaica Grande opens in 2015 and features a Flow Rider® surf facility; Buccament Bay Resort in the Grenadines offers a Performing Arts academy and Liverpool FC Soccer School and families can even swim with turtles at Turtle Beach Resort in Barbados.
With an average saving of £140 per family of four from 1st May 2015 and an amazing selection of great offers from free child stays to savings of up to 55%, now is the time to start creating those incredible family memories with a holiday to the Caribbean with letsgo2!
7 nights all-inclusive at 4* Sea Breeze Hotel Barbados is now from £4,099 per family of four (2ad 2ch 2-11yrs) travelling in June 2015. Read more here: https://www.letsgo2.com/barbados/hotels/sea-breeze-beach-hotel/default.aspx
