News / Tourism
‘Crucial’ that new tourist tax ‘is not stuck in mayor’s coffers’
It will be up to the mayor of the West of England to decide how to implement a new overnight visitor levy due to be announced as part of Wednesday’s Budget.
Many cities around the world already charge tourists a small fee when they visit, including New York, Paris and Milan.
The fee, better known as a ‘tourist tax’, would be charged on overnight stays and will see Helen Godwin and her fellow mayors across England able to then invest the money raised on measures including transport and infrastructure in their regions.
Godwin said: “Residents and visitors alike know how special our part of the world is, from our people to our culture to our nature.
“Tourism is now worth a record £2.7bn to the West’s economy, which is a key industry for our new Growth Strategy over the coming decade.
“These new powers are a real vote of confidence in our region taking more control of our future.
“Proceeds from an overnight visitor levy, that people from across the West are used to paying on holiday ourselves, have the potential to support and enhance the sector’s businesses and workers – including with better transport options.”
With attractions including Bristol Zoo Project now no longer in Bristol, much of our city’s centre of gravity has shifted north towards South Glos – photo: Bristol Zoo Project
The idea of a tourist tax for Bristol has previously been heavily criticised by industry leaders, with one saying its introduction would be “devastating”.
The Liberal Democrats, who have been campaigning for the introduction of a tourist tax for several years, have urged for the money raised to be spent locally.
Andrew Brown, councillor for Hengrove & Whitchurch Park, said: “It is crucial that the money raised across the region is not stuck in the mayor’s coffers.
“Our local communities are crying out for investment, public realm improvements and a good clean up.
“The money raised from people visiting our region must be put back into local communities, to improve the lives of visitors and residents alike.”
Main photo: SS Great Britain Trust
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