News Beat
Mayor David Skaith welcomes new ‘tourist tax’ powers
The government has approved the so called ‘tourist tax’ which would apply to visitors’ overnight trips.
Labour said it would be up to regional mayors and other local leaders to introduce a “modest charge” if it is right for their area.
The move would ensure UK mayors have the same powers as their counterparts in international tourist hotspots such as New York, Paris and Milan, where charges on short-term trips are already commonplace, the government said.
Under the government’s plans announced on Tuesday (November 25), any new levy would apply to visitors at accommodation providers including hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.
Money raised could then help fund local projects that improve communities and enhance tourists’ experiences. This money could potentially help attract more visitors – without needing approval from central government, the government said.
A 12-week consultation will take place allowing business, communities and others with an interest in the measure to have their say on the proposals.
Recommended reading:
The government’s announcement comes after the launch of a new unit by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and York St John University which estimated that £2-a-night charges could raise up to £52.2 million-a-year.
It also follows City of York Council councillors backing a call to introduce the charges in York which supporters said could raise funds to help manage the pressures of mass tourism.
But, as The Press has reported , critics, including hoteliers and the Hospitality Association York industry body, have voiced concern that the charge could put visitors off.
The government, however, said research showed that “reasonable fees have minimal impact on visitor numbers”.
Levy would be a ‘total gamechanger for our region’, says York and North Yorks mayor
David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the visitor levy will be a “total gamechanger for our region”, which attracted 41 million visitors last year with 7.8 million overnight stays.
He had called on the chancellor to support the fee being introduced in her autumn budget, saying: “A small charge on overnight stays could revolutionise how we deliver transport, support businesses, invest in infrastructure and the visitor economy.
“Building the healthy and thriving communities for our residents and everyone that comes to visit them.”
Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said: “Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions.
“We’re giving our mayors powers to harness this and put more money into local priorities, so they can keep driving growth and investing in these communities for years to come.”
The government said the announcement is the “latest step forward in the government’s mission to devolve power and give those who know their areas best control over how money is spent in their communities”.
