HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling to a major UK destination have been warned they may have to pay a ‘visitor tax’.
A debate has been sparked over whether or not to introduce a ‘Tourist tax’ in Cornwall and Devon – but officials say they can “certainly envision” it implemented.
It comes as protests were held in Venice after the country imposed a similar fee on short stay visitors.
Day-trippers will be charged €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre, the first to bill holidaymakers an entry fee, from today until May 5.
Similar talks have also been held in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as tourists continue to flood the popular hotspots.
Now Malcolm Bell, who heads up the tourism board in Devon, said there is a serious conversation to be had over introducing the same policy.
As reported by Devon Live, he said: “It is a time to have the debate, not rush into action, engage with people and look at the art of the possible.”
He added: “We must make sure it is not burdened with administrative costs and helps to manage the situation we are facing and improve it.”
The same talks are already underway among various organisations in Cornwall from south west coastal paths to National landscapes.
The tourism boss highlighted the UK is one of the highest-taxed visitor economies in Europe – with France ranking top.
Malcolm added: “Something to consider is there is already a tourist tax as over 30 percent of visitors spend goes into tax.”
But, he argued instead of money going to the majesty’s treasury it should be redirected “back into local levels”.
“Given the national finances, we see the need to pay more into defense, the NHS, social services, we have to be realistic,” he said.
Questions have been raised over introducing the levy in Cornwall due to its popularity.
It attracts around four million holidaymakers and a whopping 12 million day-trippers each year.
But, part of the draw is the beautiful landscape and golden sandy beaches.
A tourist tax would help maintain and preserve the areas – likely continuing the cash flow raked in from tourists who continue to go back.
“The preference would be if the levy is well developed with the community and businesses – where visitors are comfortable to pay a very small amount to help go back into Cornwall,” explained Malcolm.
The idea of a ‘visitor tax’ may cause fear among many Brits who just want to enjoy a staycation.
But, Malcolm claimed most would be happy to fork out the extra money if they knew where it went.
If this tourism tax raised a load of money, the Government must give us less – I hate to be a cynic, but you have to think it through carefully
Malcolm Bell
He explained how Cornwall boasts 85 per cent repeat business, meaning a huge proportion of revenue is made from tourists who return to the holiday destination.
“If holidaymakers want to contribute, if they think it’s going to the right cause, I wouldn’t mind,” said Malcolm.
“People are cynical and want reassurance that their extra payment is going on something that is appropriate.”
However, the tourism boss did raise concerns over money blindly being raised.
He suggested it could end up reducing the amount of cash funneled into the area from the Government.
“A blunt tourism tax worries me,” explained Malcolm.
“If this tourism tax raised a load of money, the Government must give us less – I hate to be a cynic, but you have to think it through carefully.”
Malcolm also worried funds could just disappear into a “big black hole for the public sector”.
Source; commonslibrary.parliament.uk
He insisted the money would have to be poured back into local communities.
“We might conclude the tax is not right or appropriate and the cost of the implementation itself is too much,” continued Malcolm.
“So I could conceive it, but the levy should be considered across the community, there is a lot to consider.”
It comes as Manchester introduced their own tourist tax in April last year.
The new levy, the first in the UK, features a £1 charge per room per night, capped at 21 consecutive nights.
It is hoped the new tax, called the “City Visitor Charge”, will raise £3million a year for the city.
The tourist tax is also being imposed in the city of Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast.
Portimão’s Mayor Isilda Gomes said the tourist tax could raise “a few million euros” for the city.
