A new £2 overnight charge is set to be introduced in Liverpool, with hoteliers voting in favour of the plan, aiming to raise £9.2m over two years and ‘turbo charge’ the city’s tourism and visitor economy.
A new £2 overnight charge is set to be introduced in Liverpool, with hoteliers voting in favour of the plan. The levy will raise £9.2m over two years, with £6.7m going towards supporting the city’s visitor economy.
How it will work and what it will fund
The charge will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation providers, either when guests check in or at the end of their stay. Money raised under the scheme will be administered by Accommodation BID. The levy is expected to ‘turbo charge’ the city’s tourism and visitor economy.
Liverpool, a vibrant city in northwest England, has introduced a tourist tax to manage the impact of tourism on its infrastructure and services.
The tax is also known as the 'bed tax' or 'accommodation tax.' It applies to all overnight stays in hotels, guesthouses, and other types of accommodation.
The revenue generated from the tax will be used to fund local projects and improve the city's amenities.
As of 2022, the rate of the tourist tax is £1 per person per night for up to three nights.
Business plan and transparency
For an overnight visitor charge to be implemented in England, a clear and transparent business plan must be provided for how the money raised will be spent. In this case, 59% of the 83 hotels balloted about the visitor charge were in favour, on a turnout of 53%.
Impact and benefits
The £2 levy is expected to help Liverpool attract bigger events which, in turn, will bring more visitors and money to the city. According to Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, this model has already shown success in other European cities.
Liverpool, a vibrant city in northwest England, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment.
The city's tourism industry generates significant revenue, with visitors drawn to its iconic landmarks like the Albert Dock and Liver Building.
According to Visit Liverpool, the city welcomed over 1 million international visitors in 2020, contributing £1.5 billion to the local economy.
The city's cultural attractions, including the Tate Liverpool art museum and Philharmonic Hall, also play a crucial role in its tourism sector.
Public reaction
Visitors to Liverpool have generally welcomed the idea of a tourist tax, with many considering it ‘fair‘ or ‘reasonable‘. Those who have spoken to BBC Radio Merseyside say they think the charge is not abusive and will not put them off from visiting.
Liverpool is renowned for its warm hospitality, with locals often referred to as the friendliest people in the UK.
Visitors praise the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture.
The Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit attraction, featuring museums, galleries, and historic ships.
Liverpool's music scene is also celebrated, with the Cavern Club being the birthplace of The Beatles.
According to TripAdvisor, 94% of tourists would recommend visiting Liverpool, citing its welcoming atmosphere and exciting activities.
