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IN BRIEF
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As the tourism sector tries to recover from disruptions caused by the pandemic, French travelers are preparing to face new fees that will significantly impact their budgets. Price increases are looming, affecting both airline tickets and travel costs, particularly regarding administrative formalities. The outlook darkens for globetrotters, as political decisions at the European and national levels lead to major changes.
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A new travel authorization for the United Kingdom #
Starting April 2, European travelers wishing to go to the United Kingdom will need to comply with a new requirement: the payment for a travel authorization, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Currently, this document costs 10 pounds, but a recent announcement from the British government indicates a 60% increase. If this increase materializes, the cost of the ETA will rise to 16 pounds, or about 19 euros, an additional expense for those planning to cross the Channel.
This requirement adds to the need to present a passport to enter the United Kingdom since Brexit, putting even more pressure on travelers’ finances. Criticism has been swift, particularly from tourism professionals, who worry that these fees may deter visitors and harm the competitiveness of the British destination compared to other European countries.
An increase in airline ticket prices on the horizon #
Airlines are also looking at price increases to offset the newly imposed fees. For example, companies like Air France expect significant hikes in airline ticket prices, especially in economy class, in a context where operating costs continue to rise. The situation is such that the airline industry is preparing for price inflation as early as 2025, which will add to the budget burden of French travelers.
Introduction of new taxes in France #
France, for its part, will not remain idle. The French government has decided to introduce a new tax in the 2024 budget targeting airline tickets. This change, called the solidarity tax, aims to generate additional revenue to fund ecological initiatives. However, passengers will have to bear the brunt, as this tax will result in higher airfares, further exacerbated by the introduction of the ETA for those traveling to the United Kingdom.
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The consequences for the competitiveness of the tourism sector #
All these developments raise concerns about the competitiveness of the French and European tourism sectors. Experts are alarmed to see the United Kingdom, through these new measures, becoming less attractive compared to other European destinations, where costs for travelers remain lower. Moreover, the airline industry, which represents a significant part of the economy, could be penalized by a decline in passenger numbers due to these increases.
Professionals in the sector are therefore calling on government authorities to take favorable measures to maintain the competitiveness of the destination by reducing the additional costs that burden tourists. The challenge is considerable, as the long-term goal is to attract more tourists to the territory, without deterring them with what is perceived as excessive pricing policies.
