Campaign urges caution over Bristol tourist tax plans

The council recently approved a feasibility study into introducing a visitor charge, which could see hotel guests pay an additional £2 per night. The measure was one of several aimed at increasing income and offsetting budget pressures.

Back British Holidays, a campaign advocating for stronger support for the UK holiday sector, said national research suggests such charges could backfire. According to consultation data, 21% of potential holidaymakers would cancel overnight trips if a tourist tax were introduced at their destination. A further 21% said they would still visit, but reduce how much they spend during their stay.

Campaign spokesperson Daniel Atwood said:

“Tourist taxes might seem like a small extra charge – but they could have a big impact.

“Local economies depend on visitor spending, and these taxes risk pushing tourists away or reducing how much they spend.

“It’s the wrong move at the wrong time.”

Bristol, a popular city break destination with a thriving cultural scene, has previously been floated as a potential location for a tourism levy. While local authorities in England do not currently have formal powers to implement tourist taxes, cities like Manchester and Liverpool have launched similar schemes via accommodation-based levies under business improvement structures.

Back British Holidays recently forecast a 32% national drop in domestic holidays by the end of 2025, alongside a potential £23.2 billion loss in visitor spending. The group argues that measures like tourist taxes could accelerate that decline and is calling on local and national leaders to instead focus on encouraging tourism growth.

For more details and to view the campaign’s report, visit: www.backbritishholidays.co.uk