Guests at Salford hotels, B&Bs and holiday rentals could soon be facing a tourist tax for each overnight stay.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has won his campaign to introduce the tax as the Government moved to allow big city Mayors to bring in the levy.
They can now apply a “modest charge” to visitors on overnight stays in their authority.
In Salford and across Greater Manchester the funding will go towards local transport systems, and to be reinvested into the visitor economy, which in Salford is worth £1bn a year.
Businesses within Salford’s tourism sector are currently uncertain of the effect the levy will have on bookings.
Attractions such as MediaCity UK, the Lowry theatre and Salford Quays could see a decline in international and domestic visitors.
A statement by Travelodge in response to Burnham’s plan to introduce the new measure, said: “The potential impact of the visitor levies is unclear as there is little consistency currently.
“The decision to charge a visitor levy and the associated rate is set locally with a lack of transparency.
“The Government’s plan to empower English mayors to implement a nightly tourism tax on accommodation providers will also further increase costs, although there is not yet clarity on how this will be implemented.”
Top tourist destinations around the world such as Venice and New York, already impose a tourist tax.
Recent Comments