The UK economy is expected to see slower growth in 2023 as the country feels the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis and higher tax levels.

Prime minister Boris Johnson faces a potential inquiry into whether he misled parliament over the “partygate” affair.

Elsewhere, airlines react to a US judge throwing out the mandate to wear masks on flights and a new law in Spain could make holidays cheaper.

Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (20 April).

Venice pushes ahead with €10 entry fee plan as tourists flock back

Authorities in Venice are pushing ahead with a plan to charge day-trippers up to €10 to enter the Italian city after visitor numbers hit pre-Covid levels over Easter. The booking system will be launched in June as part of a six-month pilot scheme before potentially being fully introduced in January 2023. (The Guardian)

Britain poised for slowest growth among G7 nations

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that the UK will be the worst performing economy in the G7 group of nations next year, with forecast growth of just 1.2% next year due to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and tax increases. (Various)

Airlines split over mask rules after US judge throws out mandate

Some European airlines have made mask-wearing on flights to the US optional after a judge dismissed the US mandate that they must be worn on all flights. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have moved to make masks optional on their transatlantic services, while Lufthansa and Air France still require masks to be worn onboard their flights. (Financial Times)

Tory MPs told to block inquiry into Johnson

Boris Johnson will order his MPs to block an investigation into claims he misled parliament over the holding of lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street. The prime minister apologised in the House of Commons on Tuesday (19 April) after receiving a fixed penalty notice for attending a birthday gathering. (The Times)

Spain issues new law that could make summer holidays cheaper

Holidays to Spain could become a little bit cheaper for Brits after the country created a new law requiring bars and restaurants to offer free tap water to guests as an alternative to expensive bottled water. Spain is also scrapping its indoor mask-wearing rules, although they will still be required on public transport. (Mirror)

Fake reviews to be illegal under new rules

Consumers are set to be better protected from fake online reviews under proposed new rules which would make it illegal to pay somebody to write and host fake reviews. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) would be given powers to fine firms up to 10% of their global turnover for bad business practices. (BBC News)