Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/140546
•pg_14-22__BMT_pg3-58 6/21/13 9:09 PM Page 19 Another factor that will soon dampen visits from UK citizens is the Air Passenger Duty (APD). The APD is a tax charged to passengers flying from the UK. The APD was scheduled to increase eight percent starting April 1, 2013. This tax can cost a family as much as $368 (GBP) or about $564 (US). That's the cost of one ticket. That's a steep price to pay. And if you fly in any class other than economy, expect to pay even more. Despite the news coming out of the UK, the CTO has been "energized by our new vision to position the Caribbean as the most desirable warm weather destination by 2017," says Riley. EDWARD BERGMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (ATA) Africa presents a mixed bag, says Bergman. Worldwide tourist arrivals to Africa have increased to 63 million as of 2010 (the latest year data is available). U.S. travel to the continent "is growing but not at the rate we would like…the problem from the U.S. perspective is one of perception, and of course the economy. Travel to Africa is seen as an option more for the affluent as some exotic locale." Perceptions are beginning to change along with myriad other improvements. "Eight years ago when American's wanted to fly to Africa, service was limited and most routes required transit through Europe. More African and American carriers are flying direct today," says Bergman. Seven of the 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa, yet American's are still cautious, while travel from China for business and leisure is booming in certain parts of the continent. Americans going to Africa travel with a purpose; some are socially conscious travelers, some business, others have environmental or sustainable energy agendas and others are looking for a cultural experience. Popular travel destinations within the African continent usually feature stable governments and good security. Southern Africa, especially the country of South Africa, which had a chance to showcase itself as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is the top destination. Other serious players in Southern Africa tourism are Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. North Africa, especially Egypt saw tourism suffer mightily after the Arab spring, unrest and the changes in governments of several North African countries. But the numbers for Egypt in particular are showing improvement. Bergman would like to see more of a focus on the U.S. market by African tourism leaders. Many of the African countries were former European colonies and much of their marketing efforts go to Europe. DEBORAH SEXTON, PRESIDENT & CEO, PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (PCMA) To improve the industry and the meeting business as a whole, Sexton believes in the need for "the wider CONTRARY TO PUBLIC OPINION, LOTS OF PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN WASHINGTON, DC. Progress like new hotels (5,300 rooms under construction or planned) and multimillion dollar upgrades in existing guest rooms, meeting spaces and ballrooms. Immensely enhanced dining, nightlife and shopping experiences. New monuments and museums. All in a place like no other. Sound like progress? See more at Washington.org/powerfulprogress or call 1-800-422-8644.