Recently (on April 1st), a new tax policy has been implemented in Manchester.
The Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) has signed up more than 70 hotels to a new scheme where travelers will have to pay an additional £1 per night.
The revenue from this tourist tax will be used to support hosting large events and street cleaning, and is expected to raise £3 million per year.
What is the tourist tax?
Tourist taxes are typically small fees collected indirectly through accommodation providers or tour operators, primarily aimed at overnight visitors.
In addition to cities that currently have tourist taxes, Edinburgh and London have also been the subject of discussion in the UK.
In the European region, tourist taxes are intended to alleviate overcrowded transportation, improve the local food and beverage industry, and ease the pressure on public services and protect the normal life of local residents.
Why impose a tourist tax?
Tourist taxes are not uncommon, and more and more cities around the world are imposing them.
This can not only alleviate the pressure on the local tourism industry but also protect the quality of life of local residents.
Especially when hosting large events that affect the inconvenience of local residents and regulating the expected order.
In addition, Manchester is the first city in the UK to impose a tourist tax on visitors.
What impact will tourist taxes have on people?
The impact of tourist taxes on people depends on their status at the time.
As a traveler, you may need to pay some additional fees in cities where tourist taxes are imposed, so you may need to adjust your budget accordingly.
As a local resident, tourist taxes may have an indirect impact on the local tourism and food and beverage industries.
You may find that the city’s roads are cleaner and your work and life are more convenient, even though these are long-term changes.
Tourist tax policies in different countries
It is reported that from November 2023, non-EU citizens, including Americans, British, Australians, and other tourists from outside the Schengen area, will be required to fill out a €7 application to enter (tourists under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 are exempt from payment).
In France, a fee of approximately €0.20 to €4 per person per night is required to maintain tourist infrastructure.
Italy has set tourist taxes based on different cities. Venice may charge a tourist tax of €3-10 in the summer of 2023.
In some Spanish islands, tourists over the age of 16 will have to pay up to €4 per night in tourist tax during the peak season.
