German Air Travel Tax Could Mar Tourism?

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Posted: 03 Aug 2010 | 6:00 am

In the Beatles classic turn out the words in the tune Taxman "there's one for me, nineteen for you." Indeed death and taxes haunt us all.

Now comes word the Germany is looking to raise 1 billion euro annually though a controversial new travel tax.

The draft legislation provides a sliding scale with long haul destinations such as Asia bearing the highest tax of nearly 26 euro per passenger.

While the tax is intended to be paid by the airlines the expectation is for it to be substantially passed onto travelers.

A considerable debate is being seen by both the tourism and airline sector in the country on the issue.

As for now the struggling airline industry continues to reel from economic pressure, environmental concerns and events such as the recent volcano disruption which has battered bottom line results.

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