The hospitality industry fears a tourist tax will deter visitors – the evidence says otherwise
News Source
•Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:37:25 GMT
📰 What Happened
Hospitality bosses say a UK tourist tax would drive visitors away. But studies suggest such taxes usually do not reduce visitor numbers.
Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice charge overnight fees. Trips to all three have still risen over the past decade.
Manchester introduced a £1 per room per night levy in 2023.
🔍 The Backstory
Manchester was the first UK city to add an overnight visitor levy. A 2025 study found no big effect on hotel occupancy there.
European cities use the money to manage over-tourism and fund services. Amsterdam charges an extra 12.5 percent, among the highest in Europe.
Some English mayors oppose the plan, so parts of the east coast may stay levy-free. The debate is really about who pays for tourism.
🎯 Why It Matters
The tax may add a little to your hotel bill, but may not keep tourists away. The money could improve the places people visit.
Hospitality bosses say a UK tourist tax would drive visitors away. But studies suggest such taxes usually do not reduce visitor numbers.
Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice charge overnight fees. Trips to all three have still risen over the past decade.
Manchester introduced a £1 per room per night levy in 2023.
Manchester was the first UK city to add an overnight visitor levy. A 2025 study found no big effect on hotel occupancy there.
European cities use the money to manage over-tourism and fund services. Amsterdam charges an extra 12.5 percent, among the highest in Europe.
Some English mayors oppose the plan, so parts of the east coast may stay levy-free. The debate is really about who pays for tourism.
The tax may add a little to your hotel bill, but may not keep tourists away. The money could improve the places people visit.