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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.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish 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 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. Read More on Travel News 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. Most read in News Travel "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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 3 A view of Liverpool's Waterfront and Royal Albert Dock Credit: Getty
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool to introduce 'tourist tax' for visitors
People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay a "tourist tax" after hoteliers voted in favour of plans to introduce one. A ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels in the city, found that the majority supported the idea of a £2 City Visitor Charge. Accommodation BID, which also represents serviced apartment providers in Liverpool, thinks the levy will raise £9.2m over two years, of which £6.7m will go towards supporting the city's visitor economy. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the levy would "turbo charge" the city's tourism and visitor economy when it comes into force in June. The charge will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation providers, either when guests check in or at the end of their stay. Money raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID. Liverpool BID Company includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 businesses in Liverpool. For an overnight visitor charge to be implemented in England, a clear and transparent business plan must be provided for how the money raised will be spent. Of the 83 hotels in Liverpool balloted about the visitor charge, 59% were in favour, on a turnout of 53%. Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID, said the ballot was a "major step" in enabling the city's hospitality sector to have a say and an influence on decisions about the visitor economy. This, he said, was "crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city". Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said the £2 levy would help Liverpool attract bigger events which, in turn, would bring more visitors and money to the city. "We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it," he said. "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." In April 2023, Manchester became the first city in the UK to introduce a "tourist tax". The City Visitor Charge - a £1 per room, per night fee - raised about £2.8m in its first year. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Manchester launches 'tourist tax' in UK first Tourists could face £2 a night fee for city stays Liverpool City Council
