News / Tourism
Lib Dems want to introduce ‘tourist tax’ on visitors to Bristol
People staying in Bristol could have extra money added to their hotel bills under proposals by the Liberal Democrats to help balance the city council’s books.
Lib Dem group leader Jos Clark has called for a feasibility study into a visitor charge, also known as a tourist tax, which she said is “essential” to be introduced and would become an “innovative” new revenue stream.
Although local councils in England do not have the power to introduce a tourist tax, Manchester and Liverpool are among two cities who have introduced a form of tourism levy via taxes on accommodation through business improvement districts.
is needed now More than ever
The idea of a tourist tax for Bristol has previously been heavily criticised by industry leaders, with one saying its introduction would be “devastating”.
Carla Denyer, now the Green MP for Bristol Central, was the councillor who first proposed the idea of a tourist tax for Bristol in 2018 when she represented Clifton Down ward.
The Lib Dems’ latest proposal is one of their amendments to the city council’s annual budget which will be discussed at a full council meeting on February 25.
Clark said: “Across the country, more and more cities are adopting a visitor charge as a means of generating investment in their tourism sectors.
“The charge is applied to hotel guests staying in the city and might mean that visitors pay a couple of extra pounds per room per night.
“This means that, as a popular destination city, we can continue to invest in our rich cultural heritage and create a sustainable tourist economy.
“It is essential that Bristol pursues adopting this innovative revenue stream. We cannot afford to be left behind.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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