Andy Burnham wants a 'proper' tourist tax on visitors to Greater Manchester
Andy Burnham wants to bring a 'tourist levy' tax in for visitors to Greater Manchester from outside the area.
The mayor said on Thursday (February 20) that he wants to see the city centre's unofficial 'tourist tax', an optional fee called the 'city visitor charge', replaced by a mandatory tax.
Currently, anyone staying in a city centre hotel is asked to pay £1-per-night to fund Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) organisation, which promotes Manchester as a destination, and does extra street cleaning around hotels.
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This should be replaced by 'a proper levy', according to Andy Burnham, who said 'no' when asked if it would apply to existing Greater Manchester residents staying in city-region hotel.
'We would like it to be a proper levy. I would like a scheme that's mainly about visitors to Greater Manchester,' he told BBC Radio Manchester.
'People pay their council tax and they do not generally stay in hotels. I know it happens but largely it's about people coming into the city-region.
'I am putting the case to the government for a tourist levy. Edinburgh has brought one in. I think Glasgow have voted to bring one in. Wales are looking at it as well.'
The mayor also argued Brits going abroad pay a tourist tax when visiting some European countries, so others should pay to stay here. He added: 'In an era where we are struggling to raise funds from the public here it feels right to me [when there's] the levy British tourists pay in France, Germany, and Italy… why should people from there not pay one?'
In its first year, the city visitor charge raised around £2.8m, and the ABID said it had not received any complaints from guests via hotels in the scheme.
According to Kumar Mishra, speaking as general manager of The Edwardian hotel last year, the fee helped to secure large-scale conferences and events and provided specialist training for accommodation operators on counter-terrorism and security as well as paying for more street cleaning in the city centre.
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Spaniards squirt water guns at foreigners in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest overtourism
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Time Business News
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National Geographic
19 hours ago
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Once you've had your fill, follow the canalside walkways before stopping for a bite to eat at Besh Qozon. Also known as the Central Asian Pilaf Centre, it's the best place to try plov, Uzbekistan's national dish of rice, meat and vegetables. For an evening tipple, sample the spoils of Uzbekistan's burgeoning wine industry at the family-owned Uzumfermer Winery in the Kibray district, northeast of the city centre. Kokand The first stop on the railway into Fergana is Kokand (Qo'qon), set along the Sokh River at an ancient crossroads for caravans travelling the Silk Road. In the 19th century, Kokand was the seat of one of Uzbekistan's three major khanates, and the Palace of Khudáyár Khán was the home of the Kokand Khanate's last ruler. Built between 1863 and 1874, its richly decorated royal halls, harem (women's quarters) and guest rooms feature a blend of Uzbek and European styles. 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Their brightly coloured, geometric patterns are celebrated at the Atlas Bayrami festival of traditional textiles, held in Margilan biannually. You'll also find the Yodgorlik Silk Factory here, which has been in operation since 1972. A tour of the nearby Margilan Crafts Development Center provides an insightful introduction to the intricate production of silk — from cocoon to the loom. You'll have the opportunity to purchase fabrics and scarves at both the factory and the city's historic market, the Kumtepa Bazaar, where haggling over prices is the name of the game. For a moment of repose, visit the reconstructed 16th-century Khonakhan Mosque, featuring some of the famed, Timurid-style tiling and architecture of Uzbekistan's most popular monuments — just without the crowds. On Bogishamol hill, Babur Memorial Park and House Museum houses the tomb of Zahiriddin Babur, founder of the Baburid Empire and a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. Photograph by National PR Centre Andijan The final stop on the line — and of your trip — is Andijan, a small, historic city near the eastern tip of the Fergana Valley. Step back in time at the Jami Complex, a 19th-century madrasa famed for its Islamic architectural elements, including ornate mosaics and carvings. Just under 20 miles outside the city is the Mingtepa archaeological site, where the remains of a first-century BCE settlement ruled by Fergana kings was discovered. Explore the site's 20ft walls and defence towers before heading to the Babur Memorial Park and House Museum, where Andijan's most famous son — the great ruler Babur (1483-1530) — lived and studied as a boy. With a large collection of literary works, diplomatic documents, gifts and souvenirs, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the correspondence between the Baburids and the khans. Plan your trip: Direct flights are available from London to Tashkent several times a week, or alternatively, you can transfer to the city via Istanbul. UK citizens can visit Uzbekistan for tourism or business for up to 30 days visa-free. O'zbekiston rail line trains depart for Kokand, Margilan and Andijan from either Tashkent's north or south railway stations. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for National PR Centre. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
