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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This popular UK city is latest to introduce a ‘tourist tax'
Liverpool will become the latest city in the UK to introduce a 'tourist tax' for visitors, charging £2 for overnight stays at hotels in the area. Liverpool is known for its vibrant music past, with the likes of The Beatles and Cilla Black hailing from the city, as well as its maritime history and Premier League football clubs, but visitors will now have to pay a little extra to enjoy the sights. Hoteliers voted to introduce a £2 per night charge to guests in the city in a ballot carried out by Accommodation BID, representing 83 hotels. The organisation says that a £2 'city visitor charge', to be rolled out from June, is projected to bring in £9.2m over two years, £6.7m of which will go towards supporting the city's visitor economy through a subvention fund. The new levy will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation, charged when guests check in or out. For a levy to be introduced under government legislation, the organisation will require a clear and transparent business plan for the use of funds generated by the £2 overnight charge. While Scotland has passed legislation permitting local authorities to levy 'tourist taxes' on accommodation, neither central nor local governments in England have the power to introduce tourist taxes at present. Yet, in 2023, Manchester became the first city in England to introduce a form of tourism levy via a legal workaround, and Liverpool has now followed suit. Manchester and Liverpool city councils both introduced a tourism-based Business Improvement District (BID) as of 1 April 2023, using existing legal power to establish a form of tourist tax. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, says its new £2 charge would not be a tourist tax or visitor levy, but a change to the existing BID levy through the Business Improvement District legislation. Currency, the BID levy is paid by business rates of hotels, but the change will move this charge levied per occupied room/unit per night to be recouped from guests. The company says the levy would support business conferences and destination marketing, and hopes it will bring major events to the city that generate overnight stays. Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: 'This £2 a night levy will be to help turbo charge Liverpool's tourism and visitor economy, helping the city attract bigger events [that] bring people to the city. 'The circular visitor economy is one that becomes sustainable, in that it is able to invest towards the aspects it needs to make itself successful. Mr Addy said that Liverpool has drawn inspiration from other cities around Europe to introduce the levy. 'We have always said that the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it,' he added. 'The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events.' Marcus Magee, Chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, also welcomed the outcome of the ballot. 'This is a major step in enabling the hospitality sector to have a say and an influence in regards to the city's decision-making around the visitor economy, which is crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city,' he said. 'The business improvement district structure allows for a clear and transparent approach to the use of investment'.
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
This popular UK city is latest to introduce a ‘tourist tax'
Liverpool will become the latest city in the UK to introduce a ' tourist tax ' for visitors, charging £2 for overnight stays at hotels in the area. Liverpool is known for its vibrant music past, with the likes of The Beatles and Cilla Black hailing from the city, as well as its maritime history and Premier League football clubs, but visitors will now have to pay a little extra to enjoy the sights. Hoteliers voted to introduce a £2 per night charge to guests in the city in a ballot carried out by Accommodation BID, representing 83 hotels. The organisation says that a £2 'city visitor charge', to be rolled out from June, is projected to bring in £9.2m over two years, £6.7m of which will go towards supporting the city's visitor economy through a subvention fund. The new levy will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation, charged when guests check in or out. For a levy to be introduced under government legislation, the organisation will require a clear and transparent business plan for the use of funds generated by the £2 overnight charge. While Scotland has passed legislation permitting local authorities to levy 'tourist taxes' on accommodation, neither central nor local governments in England have the power to introduce tourist taxes at present. Yet, in 2023, Manchester became the first city in England to introduce a form of tourism levy via a legal workaround, and Liverpool has now followed suit. Manchester and Liverpool city councils both introduced a tourism-based Business Improvement District (BID) as of 1 April 2023, using existing legal power to establish a form of tourist tax. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, says its new £2 charge would not be a tourist tax or visitor levy, but a change to the existing BID levy through the Business Improvement District legislation. Currency, the BID levy is paid by business rates of hotels, but the change will move this charge levied per occupied room/unit per night to be recouped from guests. The company says the levy would support business conferences and destination marketing, and hopes it will bring major events to the city that generate overnight stays. Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: 'This £2 a night levy will be to help turbo charge Liverpool's tourism and visitor economy, helping the city attract bigger events [that] bring people to the city. 'The circular visitor economy is one that becomes sustainable, in that it is able to invest towards the aspects it needs to make itself successful. Mr Addy said that Liverpool has drawn inspiration from other cities around Europe to introduce the levy. 'We have always said that the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it,' he added. 'The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events.' Marcus Magee, Chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, also welcomed the outcome of the ballot. 'This is a major step in enabling the hospitality sector to have a say and an influence in regards to the city's decision-making around the visitor economy, which is crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city,' he said. 'The business improvement district structure allows for a clear and transparent approach to the use of investment'.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Major UK city will soon charge visitors 'tourist tax' for overnight breaks in an effort to raise millions
A major UK city will soon charge visitors a 'tourist tax' for overnight breaks in an effort to raise millions each year. Visitors taking an overnight city break in Liverpool will be slammed with the charge in June after hotel owners voted in favour in a ballot run by Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID). Customers will be faced with the so-called £2 Visitor Charge when checking in or out as hotels and accommodation providers will be responsible for levying it. It is predicted to raise as much as £9.2million in just two years, according to Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels and several serviced apartment providers in Liverpool. Around 73 per cent of that will be injected into the city's tourism sector. Accommodation BID will administer the money raised, the Sun reported. It is expected to 'turbo charge' the visitor economy in the fifth largest city in the UK, according to Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID along with another BID. Of the 83 hotels asked to vote on the move, 59 per cent supported it - but this was only with a 53 per cent turnout, meaning just 26 businesses are in favour, versus 18 opponents. People took to social media to express their outrage about the development, set to hit during the summer months, a peak time for tourism. One concerned user said on X: 'With such a tight vote, shouldn't [have] gone through and certainly [not] with such a low turnout.' Another said: 'Of course they did. Money for nothing! Same room, same service but £2 per night more.' Someone else called introducing it in June a 'joke': 'It's going to be a lot of work for businesses to set up, let alone communicating it to folk who have already booked.' People questioned how the cash will be spent, saying, 'More money that will vanish into thin air', and, 'Where does the £2 tourist levy charge go'? Others seemed put off entirely: 'All good, won't ever visit again.' Marcus Magee, Accommodation BID chair, told the BBC the charge would help Liverpool's hospitality sector have more of a voice in discussions about the city's visitor economy. This, he added, was 'crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city'. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company - whose two city centre BIDs include more than 800 companies - said evidence from other cities in Europe suggests such charges 'translate overnight stays into major investment'. People took to social media (pictured) to express their outrage about the development, set to hit during the summer months, a peak time for tourism This, he said, could then 'convert' into Liverpool being able to lead internationally renowned events. He added: 'We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it.' It comes after Manchester introduced a 'tourist tax' in 2023, becoming the first British city to do so. Levying £1 per room, per night, the City Visitor Charge raised around £2.8million in its first year alone.
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major UK city to charge visitors £2 ‘tourist tax' for overnight stays in weeks
The city was the UK's fifth-most visited in 2023 TAXING TIMES Major UK city to charge visitors £2 'tourist tax' for overnight stays in weeks Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VISITORS are set to have to pay a £2 tax to visit a major UK city in just weeks after hotel owners voted in favour of introducing one. People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay the "tourist tax" - which could raise millions each year - after it's introduced in June. 3 A £2 'tourist tax' is set to be introduced in Liverpool in June Credit: Alamy 3 Many hotel owners in the city, which attracted the fifth-highest number of visitors in 2023, voted in favour of introducing the levy Credit: Alamy The vote was passed during a ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels and a number of serviced apartment providers in the city. Dubbed the £2 City Visitor Charge, the group predicts the levy could raise as much as £9.2 million over two years, of which around 73 per cent will go towards supporting Liverpool's visitor economy. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the tax would "turbo charge" the tourism and visitor economy in the UK's fifth largest city. Accommodation providers and hotels will manage and administer the charge, making customers pay either when they check in or when their stay is over. Money raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID, which includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 companies. Of the 83 hotels balloted about the charge, 59 per cent were in favour, from a turnout of 53 per cent - meaning just 26 of the establishments queried approved of the scheme, with 18 opposed. Response to the news has been mixed from the public, with some warning it will deter much-needed visitors away from the city. One person who disagreed with the scheme wrote on X: "This tourist tax might deter visitors when Liverpool's already struggling to attract tourists. "Seems like a risky move for a city that could use the tourism boost." Another added: "I love a break in Liverpool but that's me done with it now they're going to put a £2 tourist tax on visitors. TRAVEL BLOW holidaymakers could be hit with new tourist tax when staying in UK campsires, hotels and B&Bs "I live in the UK & shouldn't have to pay a tax to go to a UK city." Liverpool was the fifth-most visited city in the UK in 2023, according to the most recently available data, attracting around 900,000 visitors. Despite the backlash, some have praised the scheme, saying it should be extended to other cities and areas too. Writing on X, one said: "These things help cities thrive, it's a bit of extra money in the pot for services. "That's why I personally support it. "Amsterdam's got one, Paris has got one - London should introduce one." Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, said the tax would be "crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city", adding it was a major step towards the city's hospitality sector having a say and influence on decisions about the visitor economy. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said Liverpool would attract bigger events with the levy, which would lead to more visitors and money coming into the city, reports BBC News. He added: "We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it. "The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events." Hospitality bosses slam plans to introduce compulsory tourist tax across England HOSPITALITY bosses have slammed plans to introduce a tourist tax across England. Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, in February suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors. Mr Burnham said he was pushing for the Government to introduce a 'proper levy', as European hotspots such as Spain's Barcelona and Italy's Venice have done. But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears it would be another blow to Britain's battered tourism industry. She said: 'This isn't just about overseas visitors, it would mean extra charges for people staying in budget places including Travelodges, Premier Inns and seaside caravans. 'The risk is the industry is taxed out of existence.' Manchester raised £2.8million last year from its city visitor charge of £1 in certain city centre hotels. Members of the Manchester Business Improvement District vote on how funds are used locally. But a national levy would mean the Government would decide how funds are raised and spent. Liverpool is not the first major city in the UK to announce a "tourist tax", as nearby Manchester did so in April 2023. The City Visitor Charge there costs £1 per room per night, and raised around £2.8 million in its first year. However, there have been fears a tourist tax could be placed nationwide on campsites, hotels and B&Bs. The government was reportedly considering the move in January, as it could raise an estimated £1 billion for the UK's struggling economy. Starting from £1 per person at a campsite, and escalating to £15 per person at a five-star hotel, the scheme could deter some tourists from visiting. Both UK residents and holidaymakers from abroad would be required to pay the new tax, which will make staycations a little bit more expensive. The government, though, hopes the tax will raise a significant amount of money for public spending. According to the TaxPayer's Alliance, the move has the potential to raise an estimated £1 billion a year.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major UK city to charge visitors £2 ‘tourist tax' for overnight stays in weeks
VISITORS are set to have to pay a £2 tax to visit a major UK city in just weeks after hotel owners voted in favour of introducing one. People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay the "tourist tax" - which could raise millions each year - after it's introduced in June. 3 The vote was passed during a ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels and a number of serviced apartment providers in the city. Dubbed the £2 City Visitor Charge, the group predicts the levy could raise as much as £9.2 million over two years, of which around 73 per cent will go towards supporting Liverpool's visitor economy. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the tax would "turbo charge" the tourism and visitor economy in the UK's fifth largest city. Accommodation providers and hotels will manage and administer the charge, making customers pay either when they check in or when their stay is over. Money raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID, which includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 companies. Of the 83 hotels balloted about the charge, 59 per cent were in favour, from a turnout of 53 per cent - meaning just 26 of the establishments queried approved of the scheme, with 18 opposed. Response to the news has been mixed from the public, with some warning it will deter much-needed visitors away from the city. One person who disagreed with the scheme wrote on X: "This tourist tax might deter visitors when Liverpool's already struggling to attract tourists. "Seems like a risky move for a city that could use the tourism boost." Another added: "I love a break in Liverpool but that's me done with it now they're going to put a £2 tourist tax on visitors. TRAVEL BLOW holidaymakers could be hit with new tourist tax when staying in UK campsires, hotels and B&Bs "I live in the UK & shouldn't have to pay a tax to go to a UK city." Liverpool was the fifth-most visited city in the UK in 2023, according to the most recently available data, attracting around 900,000 visitors. Despite the backlash, some have praised the scheme, saying it should be extended to other cities and areas too. Writing on X, one said: "These things help cities thrive, it's a bit of extra money in the pot for services. "That's why I personally support it. "Amsterdam's got one, Paris has got one - London should introduce one." Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, said the tax would be "crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city", adding it was a major step towards the city's hospitality sector having a say and influence on decisions about the visitor economy. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said Liverpool would attract bigger events with the levy, which would lead to more visitors and money coming into the city, reports BBC News. He added: "We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it. "The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events." Hospitality bosses slam plans to introduce compulsory tourist tax across England HOSPITALITY bosses have slammed plans to introduce a tourist tax across England. Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, in February suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors. Mr Burnham said he was pushing for the Government to introduce a 'proper levy', as European hotspots such as Spain's Barcelona and Italy's Venice have done. But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears it would be another blow to Britain's battered tourism industry. She said: 'This isn't just about overseas visitors, it would mean extra charges for people staying in budget places including Travelodges, Premier Inns and seaside caravans. 'The risk is the industry is taxed out of existence.' Manchester raised £2.8million last year from its city visitor charge of £1 in certain city centre hotels. Members of the Manchester Business Improvement District vote on how funds are used locally. But a national levy would mean the Government would decide how funds are raised and spent. Liverpool is not the first major city in the UK to announce a "tourist tax", as nearby Manchester did so in April 2023. The City Visitor Charge there costs £1 per room per night, and raised around £2.8 million in its first year. However, there have been fears a tourist tax could be placed nationwide on campsites, hotels and B&Bs. The government was reportedly considering the move in January, as it could raise an estimated £1 billion for the UK's struggling economy. Starting from £1 per person at a campsite, and escalating to £15 per person at a five-star hotel, the scheme could deter some tourists from visiting. Both UK residents and holidaymakers from abroad would be required to pay the new tax, which will make staycations a little bit more expensive. The government, though, hopes the tax will raise a significant amount of money for public spending. According to the TaxPayer's Alliance, the move has the potential to raise an estimated £1 billion a year.
