Wttc Slams Uk's Eta As Tourism Barrier

The World Travel Tourism Council WTTC has strongly criticised the UKs Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA system, which came into effect for European visa-exempt travellers on April 2 .

WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson , has called it an unnecessary financial burden on international travellers and a potential threat to the countrys tourism industry.

She condemned the policy, arguing that it contradicted the UK governments supposed commitment to economic growth.

This completely undermines the UKs growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists, said Simpson.

The ETA, which requires visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorisation, adds yet another cost to travel in a country that is already among the most expensive to visit, according to Simpson.