Tourist tax POLL: Do you support UK cities introducing the charges? | Travel News | Travel
Manchester has become the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax, with visitors staying overnight facing an additional fee, which could raise councils millions of pounds to invest in the city. But do you support its introduction? Vote in our poll.
The new scheme, City Visitor Charge, will see overnight guests staying in city centre hotels or holiday apartments charged £1 a night, per room. Manchester City Council Chief Executive Joanne Roney said the scheme hopes to raise £3million annually to “enhance” visitor experience.
Annie Brown, chair of the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) described the introduction of the charge as a “smart move”.
READ MORE: Manchester becomes first UK city to start charging tourists at hotels
She told the Manchester Evening News: “I think [the message it sends] has been a consideration, however, when you compare it with European cities that have had taxes and visitor levies in place for a number of years, we feel it’s a small amount comparatively.
“There are other cities in the UK looking to put in place what Manchester has done, I don’t think it’s a charge that’s offputting. “
IF YOU CAN’T SEE THE POLL ABOVE, CLICK HERE
She continued: “It’s projected to make about £3m annually and that will fund the ABID and we will get the attractions, and cleaning, and deliver against our business plan. It’s going to be the largest accommodation business improvement district outside central London in terms of the revenue it generates.”
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls noted that it was “essential funds are ringfenced for spend within the sector and not funding matters covered by general taxation”.
The City of Edinburgh Council has approved plans for the introduction of a £2 tourist tax in the Scottish capital from November 1.
So what do YOU think? Do you support UK cities introducing a tourist tax? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
