Tourist taxes have been a hot topic over the past few years. Since Venice introduced a €5 daytripper’s levy earlier this year, more and more people are becoming aware of the negative impact tourists can have on locals’ day to day lives. Plenty of countries in Europe have implemented tourist taxes – and now more destinations in the UK are doing so too.
Manchester was the first to introduce a £1 tourist fee per hotel room per night for tourists, as part of a scheme which has since been a big (money-earning) success. Now, three more seaside towns on England’s south coast have announced that they’ll be introducing a tax on people staying overnight, after hoteliers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have voted in favour of the scheme.
From July 1, overnight guests will be charged an extra £2 per room per night at hotels in the area. Andy Lennox, who is the chair of the Destination Management board, said the move was ‘wicked’.
‘I don’t think we have been in a situation for the last 15 years where we have had this amount of money to be able to spend on the area,’ he continued. It’s estimated that more than £12 million could be raised through the tax in the next five years, which Lennox says will initially go to guaranteeing the towns are ‘all around safe, secure and green’.
Good luck, little south coast towns. We all believe you can become the British seaside resorts of your dreams.
Staycations according to Time Out
If you’re currently planning your next UK trip why not try one of our favourite cool Airbnbs in the country, or embark on one of these top rated Great British road trips? For something a bit more out there, have a look at these cool islands scattered across England, or check out these haunted places you can visit.
Did you see that the UK’s best independent bookshop is in a remote Welsh town?
Plus: This charming seaside town has been named the UK’s best holiday destination right now.
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