Lib Dems welcome tourism levy

B&NES Council Leader Councillor Kevin Guy was in the media spotlight this week commenting on the budget and government’s decision to give English Mayors the power to introduce a tourism levy.

Councillor Guy said: "Bath welcomes six million visitors annually; 3.6 million stay overnight. We have been leading the call for cities like ours to be able to raise a tourism levy on overnight visitors. So this is good news.

"Councils should be given the tools to manage tourism so that it reflects local needs and priorities. The levy should create a fair system that recognises the costs as well as the benefits of tourism, allowing us to reinvest directly into the services and infrastructure for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

“The Council will work closely with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Visit West and the local visitor economy to explore how the levy could be introduced. Any scheme would be developed in consultation with our hospitality sector.”