Following in the footsteps of Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge and more, Liverpool will become the next UK city to implement a so-called ‘tourist tax’. Hoteliers of the city have voted to introduce a levy of £2 per night on overnight stays in the hopes that it’ll attract bigger events to Liverpool, meaning more visitors and a boost to the local economy.
Liverpool’s fee is not technically a tourist tax as right now, neither central nor local governments in England have the power to introduce tourist taxes (unlike Scotland). Similar to Manchester, the charge is instead being organised and overseen by Liverpool’s Business Improvement District (BID). Liverpool BID Company, which represents more than 800 businesses, said that it’s not a tourist tax but a change to the existing BID levy that’ll see it being paid by guests, either at check-in or at the end of their stay, rather than the businesses themselves.
The goal isn’t to put tourists off visiting Scouseland (like in Venice), but rather to raise more money for its tourism industry. For a tax to be implemented, a clear business plan has to be put forward laying out how money will be spent.
It’s predicted that the tax will raise £9.2m over two years, £6.7m of which will go towards supporting Liverpool’s visitor economy. The cash that’s raised will be administered by Accomodation BID.
Bill Addy, the CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: ‘This £2 a night levy will be to help turbo charge Liverpool’s tourism and visitor economy, helping the city attract bigger events [that] bring people to the city.
‘The circular visitor economy is one that becomes sustainable, in that it is able to invest towards the aspects it needs to make itself successful.’
How much will Liverpool’s ‘tourist tax’ cost?
The overnight cost will be £2.
When will Liverpool’s tourist tax come into effect?
Liverpool’s new ‘tourist tax’ will begin to be rolled out in June this year.
If you’ve got a trip booked, let Time Out help you plan with our guides from local experts on the city’s best things to do, best restaurants, best hotels, best pubs and best nightlife spots.
ICYMI: The 10 best cheap UK holiday destinations right now.
Plus: One of the world’s most walkable cities is in the UK.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.