UK hospitality sector warns tourist taxes will deter visits despite contrasting academic studies

The short version

• Trade group UKHospitality projects that implementing a 5% overnight visitor charge in England would lead to 12 million fewer visits and 33,000 lost jobs.[The Guardian]
• Academic research, including a 2024 Bangor University study and a 2025 analysis of Manchester's levy, found no evidence that tourist charges reduce visitor numbers or hotel occupancy.[The Guardian]
• UKHospitality claims Edinburgh's recently introduced 5% charge is already damaging, while local tourism representatives say it is too early to evaluate.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• UKHospitality forecasts that a 5% overnight visitor levy across England could eliminate 33,000 jobs and reduce trips by 12 million.[The Guardian]
• A 2025 study in Tourism Management concluded Manchester's visitor tax created no significant change in hotel occupancy.[The Guardian]
• A 2024 study conducted by Bangor University found no evidence showing tourist levies discourage visitors.[The Guardian]
• Travel volume to Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona has increased steadily over the previous decade despite existing tourist taxes.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• The hospitality industry fears a tourist tax will deter visitors – the evidence says otherwiseThe Guardian - World