Britain allows cities to impose a new tax on tourists staying in hotels - Sarmad

(KUNA) – The British government announced on Thursday that mayors and local council leaders in England will be granted the authority to impose a new tax on hotel stays, commonly known as a “tourist tax.”

Local Government Minister Angela Rayner told MPs that the measure will give mayors the option to raise funds and reinvest them in areas of greatest need for local services.

She explained that this would help support local services, public spaces, and tourist attractions relied upon by both residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the BBC, citing government officials, reported that the tax, which will be implemented through a slight increase in hotel accommodation bills, does not target foreign tourists exclusively but also includes British visitors.

Conversely, the BBC quoted several tourism executives expressing concern over the negative impact of the tax on the influx of foreign tourists to Britain, particularly amid rising living costs and increasing travel and tourism expenses, which could also affect job growth in this vital sector of the local economy.