The UK’s travel industry is opposing the proposed implementation of an Overnight Visitor Levy in England, saying the levy would make the UK too expensive for travellers.
During the King’s Speech on March 13, the government confirmed that it planned to approve the Overnight Visitor Levy Bill. The Bill will allow the 13 mayoral strategic authorities in England to impose local accommodation levies.
“The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has long expressed concern with the cumulative impact of taxes and charges on UK travel and tourism, which is already uncompetitive on cost grounds; a visitor levy further adds to this,” said Luke Petherbridge, ABTA Director of Public Affairs.
Other associations, including the Business Travel Association, UKinbound, and UKHospitality have echoed this sentiment, noting that the additional costs for business and leisure travellers could significantly deter international travellers.
However, the government has claimed that, should the levies be implemented, the funds would be used to grow tourism and business.
