Liverpool has made the decision to implement a “tourist tax” for visitors staying overnight in the city. Hoteliers voted in favor of the £2 City Visitor Charge, which will be applied to guests when they check in or at the end of their stay. The levy is expected to raise £9.2m over two years, with the majority of the funds going towards supporting Liverpool’s visitor economy. This move is seen as a way to “turbo charge” the city’s tourism sector and is set to come into effect in June.
The Accommodation BID, representing 83 hotels in Liverpool, conducted the ballot which resulted in 59% of hotels being in favor of the visitor charge. This decision was seen as a major step in allowing the hospitality sector to have a say in decisions relating to the city’s visitor economy. Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, emphasized the importance of industry involvement in such decisions, stating that it is crucial for the city’s vibrancy and economy.
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, expressed confidence that the £2 levy will help Liverpool attract larger events, ultimately bringing more visitors and revenue to the city. The success of similar models in other European cities indicates that the visitor charge will lead to significant investment and the ability to host world-class events. This move follows Manchester’s introduction of a similar tourist tax in April 2023, which raised £2.8m in its first year.
In order for the overnight visitor charge to be implemented in England, a clear and transparent business plan detailing how the funds will be allocated must be provided. Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, consists of two business improvement districts in the city center and represents over 800 businesses in Liverpool. The industry’s involvement in the decision-making process surrounding the tourist tax is seen as a vital aspect of ensuring the success of the initiative
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