The Business Travel Association (BTA), beam (business meetings accommodation and events) and the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) have responded to the government’s announcement of a nationwide overnight visitor levy framework.
“This is a short-sighted move that risks making Britain’s cities less competitive at exactly the moment we should be doing everything we can to attract investment, events and business.
“Business travel is not tourism, and there is a real risk that distinction gets lost in this debate. Adding another accommodation charge on top of the UK’s existing 20% VAT makes Britain more expensive for the very people and businesses we need to attract.
“The real question isn’t whether tourist tax is a good or bad idea, but whether it will actually benefit the destinations and businesses being asked to pay it. Tourist taxes are widely used across Europe and, if the revenue is invested back into tourism, they can provide valuable funding for infrastructure and services that support the visitor economy and help attract more events and spending.
“Of greater concern is what happens if every region is left to decide its own approach. A patchwork of different charges and rules could make it harder for businesses to operate and leave the UK looking disjointed to international markets. We should be competing with other countries, not creating a situation where UK destinations are competing with each other on tax.
“The impact on business meetings and events could be particularly damaging. Conferences, exhibitions and major meetings can involve hundreds or thousands of room nights, meaning even a modest charge can become a significant additional cost. Organisers compare destinations closely and, if the cost of bringing an event to one UK city becomes uncompetitive, they can choose another destination – taking with them spending on venues, hotels, restaurants, transport and local suppliers.
“If local authorities are given these powers, there needs to be a clear commitment that tourism is a priority, with transparency over how the revenue is reinvested and a consistent approach across the UK.
“Tourist tax can have a role to play if it is used as part of a reinvestment cycle to make destinations more attractive. But if it simply adds another business cost, the biggest risk is that it makes the UK less competitive at a time when we need to be doing everything we can to strengthen it.”
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
