The tourist tax move has been branded ‘bonkers’ by Blackpool residents
Blackpool locals have rejected calls for a tourism tax to be introduced in the north west seaside town.
The debate regarding introducing a new tax kicked off earlier in the week, with hoteliers in Blackpool adamant that it would be wrong for the popular seaside town.
Local businesses labelled any attempt to introduce it into the resort as ‘bonkers’, and now residents have rejected the idea too.
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A tourism tax is a small, mandatory fee added to accommodation bills or charged to visitors entering popular destinations, which aims to help fund local services, infrastructure repairs, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
It comes as similar concerns were raised in Devon and Cornwall about the possibility of a tourism levy following in the footsteps of city areas with a mayor, such as Manchester and Liverpool.
Lancashire would be able to introduce the tax too, because of the new status of the combined authority, which brought Blackpool into the debate.
Resident Chris Russell told Lancs Live: “I am mixed on this one – it could pay for lights, tourist information and all the free service as long as the council keep it to a small reasonable level. This tax in place in lots of places around world.”
Stuart Askin added: “They do it it’s rampant in other places.”
Paul Jackson said: “The amount of tourism in Blackpool has declined a great deal since the 70s when it was packed so do you honestly think them having to pay tax is going to help that? It’ll put anyone off coming – cheaper to go abroad as it is.”
Brendam Pawsn said: “It’s bonkers to bring tourist tax in anywhere, it will put people off.”
Peter Henson said of the tax: “It’s just pure greed.”
The Government is still in discussion about whether to introduce it into areas outside Liverpool and Manchester, with many business urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves not to do it.
Lancashire County Council formally launched the Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) with Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council on February 5, 2025.
Lancashire County Council was asked abut the tourism tax and said: “The LCCA has not considered charges. We await the outcome of the government’s consultation.”


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