The biggest source of revenue is not the tax on the flight ticket. It is the money tourists spend once they arrive. If tourism spending increases by US$1 billion, government value-added tax collections alone rise significantly before considering all the additional taxes generated through hotel stays, transport, restaurants, attractions and business profits.

I was quoted in Tourism Update on why high aviation taxes and passenger charges can deter Kenya bookings. I argued that making travel more expensive at the decision point is counterproductive, and that Kenya would be better served by lowering access costs, increasing arrivals, and earning more through the wider tourism economy.