A visitor levy (or tourist tax) is a small, local, per-night charge added to accommodation bills, used to fund, improve, or manage local tourism infrastructure and services.
Currently, legislation is being finalized in Scotland, Wales, and parts of England to allow local authorities or mayors to charge this tax, often targeting overnight stays in hotels, Airbnbs, and B&Bs.
We put a number of questions to David Skaith the Mayor of North Yorkshire.
How will the money be ring-fenced to only be spent directly on hospitality and tourism projects and not used to subsidise any other needs ?
The details and parameters of how the Mayoral Overnight Visitor Levy can be spent have yet to be set by government. I want us to use this funding to add value to our region, support urban development, invest in the services most impacted by high visitor numbers, and support the sector to attract more visitors, making our region a better place for people that live here, work here, and visit here.
How will he ensure fair split of monies raised across the county?
While the details of how this funding can be spent are yet to be released by government, I want to make sure this funding is used to benefit communities across our region. Our research suggests this will generate a game changing amount of money, allowing us to invest in transport and regeneration like we currently are not able to.
Whilst areas like Scarborough are in desperate need for cash, is it the best place to spend it in terms of getting a return ?
All our areas have seen the impact of prolonged and competitive underfunding. Our research estimates this could generate over half a billion pounds over ten years, allowing us to invest in our communities with a pipeline of regeneration for the first time in decades.
How will you monitor who’s staying, if it becomes a per-person tax? Airb&b’s can easily be rented and not declare all persons staying ? Same as campsites with tents and caravans which he’s suggested will also pay?
All accommodation providers will be required to register, like hotels already have to, including short-term holiday lets. Countries around the world with a visitor levy have already answered these questions and ensure that anyone staying overnight is liable to the charge.
What percentage of monies raised will ultimately be taken in admin / running costs through employment, accountants, fees etc? and how will they ensure money is not wasted?
We are still in the early days of this, as the details of what we can and cannot do with the funds and how we will collect it emerge, we can answer this in more detail. My priority is unlocking game changing investment in our region, so any admin costs should be kept to a minimum.
How will you know if it is a success?
If residents and businesses see the positive impact of more investment in their local areas, that can be enjoyed by everyone, that will be the real proof that this has been a success for our region.
