Manchester Tourist Tax Faces Opposition: Concerns Over Burden on Visitors

Andy Burnham wants a tourist tax for Manchester. The tax would be mandatory for visitors, applying to those staying in Greater Manchester. He wants a “proper levy,” discussing the idea on BBC Radio Manchester and comparing it to taxes in France, Germany, and Italy.

Kate Nicholls, who leads UKHospitality, criticized Burnham’s tourist tax proposal. Nicholls thinks it could hurt the city’s appeal. She mentioned that other cities have lower VAT rates, often half of the UK’s VAT rate.

Nicholls argued visitors already pay more taxes, and the UK shouldn’t add to this burden. Hospitality brings in £94m to the city, helping fund local services.

While a hotel scheme already exists, funding street cleaning and tourism promotion, Nicholls does not believe a tourist tax is the answer. It could harm tourism and burden businesses and consumers.

The government does not plan for a tourist tax, and Nicholls will hold them to this promise. Current hotels have an optional £1 charge per night. This city visitor charge raised £2.8m, which goes to a tourism organization called ABID to promote Manchester.