ABTA has added its opposition to a proposed England tourism levy.
In an official response ABTA said a percentage-based levy would be complex and confusing and would ‘further erode’ the country’s competitiveness as an attractive tourism destination.
“We have sent a robust response. We’ve long expressed concern with the cumulative impact of taxes and charges on UK tourism, which is already uncompetitive on cost grounds,” said Luke Petherbridge ABTA Director of Public Affairs.
“Adding further taxes to visitors who support vital economic activity across the country is short-sighted.”
If it goes ahead, it wants local authorities to ensure revenues are reinvested in tourism related development, such as local transport improvement.
The government’s proposal would allow Mayors to impose a visitor levy for overnight stays.
“Improvements in the public realm or local transport systems funded by visitor levies could deliver visible improvements for visitors, tourism businesses and residents,” ABTA said.
It also calls for a simple flat rate charge rather than an ‘overly complex and administratively burdensome’ fee percentage based amount.
