Summary
Hospitality leaders in England are urging the government to drop plans for a tourist tax on vacations. They argue that the proposed tax could make holidays more expensive and harm local businesses. The government is considering giving local leaders the ability to decide on a visitor levy to support local projects.
Key Facts
- Around 200 hospitality and leisure business leaders in England oppose a new tourist tax.
- The tax would be a charge on people taking holidays in England, possibly adding £2 per person, per night.
- Businesses argue that the tax could add £100 or more to a two-week holiday.
- The government suggests the tax could be proportional to accommodation costs rather than a flat rate.
- Local mayors could get the power to introduce the tax, with a decision expected in February.
- Scotland and Wales already allow local authorities to apply a visitor levy, while Northern Ireland does not plan to.
- Some English cities, like Manchester, already charge a similar levy through business agreements.
- A government spokesperson states that new charges should be modest and are intended to fund local priorities.
