Liverpool ‘tourist tax’ of £2 to be charged for overnight stays | UK News

People staying overnight in Liverpool will have to pay a “tourist tax” after hoteliers voted in favour of plans to introduce one.

A ballot by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels in the city, found that the majority supported the idea of a £2 City Visitor Charge.

Accommodation BID, which also represents serviced apartment providers in Liverpool, thinks the levy will raise £9.2m over two years, of which £6.7m will go towards supporting the city’s visitor economy.

Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, said the levy would “turbo charge” the city’s tourism and visitor economy when it comes into force in June.

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.

Liverpool BID Company includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents more than 800 businesses in Liverpool.

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.

Of the 83 hotels in Liverpool balloted about the visitor charge, 59% were in favour, on a turnout of 53%.

Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, said the ballot was a “major step” in enabling the city’s hospitality sector to have a say and an influence on decisions about the visitor economy.

This, he said, was “crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city”.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said the £2 levy would help Liverpool attract bigger events which, in turn, would bring more visitors and money to the city.

“We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it,” he said.

“The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events.”

In April 2023, Manchester became the first city in the UK to introduce a “tourist tax”.

The City Visitor Charge – a £1 per room, per night fee – raised about £2.8m in its first year.