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The hospitality industry fears a tourist tax will deter visitors – the evidence says otherwise
UK NewsBusinessSeptember 10, 2026 at 5:37 PMNational

The hospitality industry fears a tourist tax will deter visitors – the evidence says otherwise

By Josh Halliday North of England editorThe Guardian - UK News

Studies from hotspots across Europe that have introduced levies suggest they have no impact on visitor numbersIf you wandered down Las Ramblas or lazed on a beach in the Balearics this summer, you probably paid a tourist tax for the privilege. In fact, if you enjoyed any of Europe’s beauty spots in recent years, it is likely that an overnight levy was added to your bill.Britons have become used to paying these fees abroad but ministers have shied away from introducing them in the UK. The furious response from UK hospitality bosses helps to explain why. Continue reading...

Studies from hotspots across Europe that have introduced levies suggest they have no impact on visitor numbers

If you wandered down Las Ramblas or lazed on a beach in the Balearics this summer, you probably paid a tourist tax for the privilege. In fact, if you enjoyed any of Europe’s beauty spots in recent years, it is likely that an overnight levy was added to your bill.

Britons have become used to paying these fees abroad but ministers have shied away from introducing them in the UK. The furious response from UK hospitality bosses helps to explain why.

Continue reading...