Travellers visiting cities and regions across England could soon face extra fees for overnight stays. Under new government plans, local mayors will receive the authority to introduce a visitor levy on all tourist accommodation, including hotels, holiday rentals, B&Bs, and guesthouses. The tax will apply to all overnight guests regardless of nationality or purpose of visit, with implementation expected before the end of 2029.
Although the proposed levy is uncapped in theory, mayors are expected to keep charges below 5% of the total accommodation cost. Several regional leaders, including the mayor of London, have already pledged to adhere to this 5% limit. However, adopting the tax remains at the discretion of individual mayors, and some locations—such as the seaside resort of Skegness and the town of Hartlepool—have already voiced opposition to charging visitors.
The proposal has drawn strong criticism from England's hospitality sector, where industry representatives warn that added costs could deter tourists. The trade body UKHospitality estimates that a 5% fee could result in 11.9 million fewer visitor nights and a £1.8 billion (€2.1 billion) drop in tourism spending in 2030, risking nearly 33,000 jobs. Similarly, research by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicates that fixed daily visitor fees could lead many domestic and international holidaymakers to choose alternative destinations.
Overnight levies are already gaining traction in other parts of the UK. Edinburgh launched a 5% fee capped at five consecutive nights in July, while Manchester became the first English city to charge a tax in 2023, setting a rate of £1 per room per night for major city-centre accommodations. In addition, local governments in Wales will be allowed to introduce charges of up to £1.30 per person per night beginning in April 2027.