More than half of UK holidaymakers will slash their number of overseas holidays due to the increase in flying tax, reveals a survey by leading travel industry exhibition World Travel Market. A massive 52% of the 1,030 people polled, all of whom holidayed this summer, said they would reduce their overseas holidays due to yesterday's increase in Air Passenger Duty. A staggering 13% said they would stop overseas holidaying all together due to the APD increase, which will see the tax increase by a minimum 10% this year before a further increase next November.

Younger holidaymakers are most likely reduce their holiday plans, with an incredible 60% and 53% of 16-24 and 25-40 year old people respectively stating the APD increase will have a negative impact on their flying habits. In a separate poll of 459 senior travel industry professionals, almost two-thirds (65%) said they would also reduce their holidaying due to the increase in APD. APD is being recalculated with the introduction of four bands, with passengers being charged according to how far they fly. For example, a family of four flying economy class to Egypt - a popular year round destination for UK travellers - will see their APD increase by £20 to £100, rising to £120 next November.

Premium economy, business and first class holidaymakers to Australia will see their APD increase by a massive £30 to £110, rising to £170 in November 2010 - which will be more than double the current £80 tax.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: "The increases in APD could be a real concern to the UK outbound travel industry. The World Travel Market survey of 2008 holidaymakers found that 13% would not go on holiday next year, with more than half reducing their flying because of the tax.

"APD was doubled in 2007 and will more than double again by November 2010, so it's easy to understand why holidaymakers could be put off travelling abroad by yesterday's and next year's increases."