Family holidays could face higher costs under proposed visitor levy

Labour has proposed allowing regional mayors in England to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays, and UKHospitality has led a letter signed by 200 businesses warning it may increase costs for families and strain small accommodation providers.

Labour has proposed allowing regional mayors in England to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays. Details are not finalised and the charge could be set per person or as a percentage of the stay. Industry groups and small accommodation owners have raised concerns about additional costs for holidaymakers and the viability of some businesses. The government says any new charges should be modest and will be for mayors to decide. Key facts: - Proposal: Labour seeks to give mayors in England the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays. - Industry response: UKHospitality coordinated a letter signed by 200 businesses warning the measure could raise costs for families and affect small accommodation providers. - Existing examples: Wales plans charges from 1 April 2027 and Edinburgh will apply a 5% levy for stays after 24 July. - Consultation: A government consultation on the plans is open and is scheduled to end on 18 February. Summary: The proposal has prompted concern from industry groups and small operators about potential added costs for domestic holidaymakers and possible effects on local accommodation providers. Undetermined at this time; the consultation closes on 18 February and any implementation would depend on decisions by individual mayors and further policy detail.