It also is proposing an increase in the fee just weeks after launch.

However, the UK has nowproposedraising the cost to 16 ($19.65).

If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UKs tourism competitiveness, Walsh said in a statement.

Connecting flights at Heathrow

Passengers make their way towards flight connections in Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport in London.Credit:DANIEL LEAL/Getty Images

It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture.

It makes no sense to discourage visitors with high costs even before they set foot in the country.