That's according to the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK), which represents 93 scheduled carriers.
It has written to all 156 National Olympic Committees outside Europe about the threat to travel costs, urging them to express their concerns to their relevant British Embassy or High Commission.
In a statement, BAR UK said it is ‘increasingly frustrated with the Government’s apparent disregard to the concerns by travel and tourism industry experts over the excessive increases in taxation’.
Mike Carrivick, BAR UK chief executive, added: ‘The London 2012 Olympic Games are a showcase for the UK and a major opportunity to present to the world our tourism offering and competitiveness.
‘It therefore does not make sense that the UK is imposing the highest rates of taxation in the world, with no environmental benefits and in the process damaging the country’s international reputation and a hugely important UK industry.’
Elsewhere, InsureandGo founder Perry Wilson has also questioned the environmental benefits of APD, saying the tax will add £200 for a return flight to Australia, yet the carbon offset cost for that journey would be £10.
He has asked to meet Chancellor Alistair Darling to discuss the planned hike in APD.
See also:
CWT calculates corporate cost of APD hike (12/10/2009)
Industry leaders agree action on APD (07/10/2009)
‘Carbon offsets should exempt passengers from APD’ (04/09/2009)
Government ‘taxing families out of the sky’ (05/08/2009)
WTTC calls for abolition of APD (04/08/2009)
O’Leary attacks APD as Ryanair Q1 profits soar (27/07/2009)
APD hike threatens jobs and economy (25/06/2009)