Caribbean hoteliers yesterday expressed outrage over the UK's decision not to change its Air Passenger Duty (APD) banding structure, with the 8 per cent increase set to be imposed from April 2012 increasing airlift (access) costs to the Bahamas for European and British visitors.

The move impacts about 8 per cent of the Bahamas' total stopover visitors, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) said: "This decision demonstrates the UK's complete disregard for the future economic prosperity of the Caribbean and the role of tourism in development.

"The decision taken by the UK Treasury is in total contrast to the stated policy of the UK's desire to improve its r ...

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