Panic has erupted in a major UK city as locals fear that a tourist tax plan will backfire massively and will have detrimental impacts.
York, a historic city in North Yorkshire, England, renowned for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, is considering implementing a tourist tax in a bid to boost funding for its historic attractions.
A tourist tax, also known as a visitor levy, is a fee charged to travelers for staying overnight in accommodations within certain destinations. The revenue generated is typically used to support local infrastructure, maintain tourist attractions, and promote sustainable tourism.
Cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Paris have well-established tourist taxes, often ranging from €1 to €5 per night (80p to £4.12 approximately).
In 2023, the famous destination attractred nine million visitors, including 1.7million who stayed overnight.
It is thought the levy could raise millions in extra funding. However, locals fear the levy “risks making York less competitive and affordable”.
Andy Barnsdale, general manager of The Milner near York Station, told the BBC: “Adding another cost, one that would ultimately be passed onto guests, risks making York less competitive and affordable, further impacting an already financially challenged hospitality industry.”
Paul Helmsley, of York’s Monk Bridge House guesthouse, said he has no objections as long as the revenue benefits York.
He said: “Assuming the charge is relatively small and that funds raised are spent in an open and transparent way for the benefit of the city, then in principle I would have no objections.
“If funds just disappeared into city coffers and residents and tourists alike couldn’t see what funds were being used for, then I would be against it.”
A spokesperson for industry body Hospitality Association York said talks about proposals had been ongoing for about a year but no progress had been made.
They added that the introduction of any further costs will jeopardise the competitiveness of York as a tourist destination, which could negatively impact the local economy”.