Tourist tax likely in Bath and Bristol so visitors 'contribute'

A new tourist tax for two cities is likely to come into effect, as a council leader says tourists "need to contribute".

Under new government plans, regional mayors will have the power to introduce a tax on overnight accommodation stays in places like Bristol and Bath.

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), said she was in favour of the scheme, with hopes the money could be reinvested into improving transport. But hospitality leaders fear it could drive off customers.

The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, councillor Kevin Guy, said: "There are five million visitors every year to the city of Bath alone, and they have a huge impact on the public realm."

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Guy added: "I've been very clear since the start, those five million visitors need to contribute towards the pavements, the public toilets, the public realm in general, and that will improve things for everybody, tourists and residents."

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Pramod Shaw, deputy chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association, said: "Adding yet another charge risks making Bristol a less attractive proposition compared to other UK cities that may choose not to implement a levy."

He said the industry had "already absorbed significant financial pressures" which had "taken their toll".

Shaw added that talk of the levy had "reignited fury across the business travel and hospitality industries, as this is not the time to add yet another cost to our sectors".

"If a levy is introduced, it must be fair, transparent and must be invested back into the visitor economy," he said.

Caron Cooper, who has owned Fosse Farmhouse bed and breakfast near Castle Combe in Wiltshire, for 42 years, said the tourism industry had been "challenging" in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing business rates.

"Just as we felt like we are coming through it and tourism's back, this is like a hammer blow really," she said.

Cooper added that many people travel around the UK for purposes other than going on holiday, like to visit relatives or see children at university.

"They have a tight budget like everyone else and this is just going to be more that they have to pay out."

"People that are going to five star hotels and spending £500 a night probably won't notice another 5%. But those that are staying at bed and breakfasts and economise then 5% on top of that is going to be a lot," she said.

She added that a flat rate levy would have been a better and more affordable option, in her opinion.

Tourist taxes are used in some European cities, and a similar scheme already exists in Edinburgh.

The levy is likely to be imposed in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, which is part of the Weca region.

Godwin said it would help fund further investment there.

"We know that local people want to see further improvements to our transport network, particularly our buses," said Godwin.

"More late-night services would help more people to enjoy what our region has to offer - and so would more funding for public spaces in central Bath and Bristol, as well as support for sectors that support tourism."

Councillor Mike Bell, the leader of North Somerset Council, issued a statement in support of the proposal, but said any funds raised in an area should be invested back into that area.

"Our visitor economy is worth nearly £200m a year, employs a large number of local people and is an important sector to us," he said.

"However, we must also ensure that the extra costs of supporting millions of visitors to our area does not place an undue burden on local finances. Critically, funds from visitors to North Somerset should be invested in North Somerset."

In a joint statement, Guy and the leaders of Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council said the levy was something they had "long campaigned for", but that they would work with local businesses to ensure the funds have positive impacts on local communities.

"We are committed to working closely with businesses across the tourism and hospitality sector to ensure that any future visitor levy is designed in a way that actively supports the industry, help destinations thrive and delivers benefits for local communities," they say.

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