New report recommends £1-per-night Yorkshire tourist tax

A new report has proposed a £1-per-night tourist tax for travellers to York and North Yorkshire.

The Visitor Levy Policy Report commissioned by the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, was published on Monday.

It said a flat visitor levy could raise between £26m and £52m annually for the region to “invest back into its hospitality and tourism industry”.

The area welcomed 7.8 million overnight visitors in 2024.

According to the report, the fee would be paid via a digital platform, with possible exemptions for low-cost stays including campsites.

Visitor growth in destinations such as Edinburgh, Paris and Barcelona since introducing a fee was used as evidence that a modest levy will not deter visitors.

Skaith said: “York and North Yorkshire has something for everyone. Millions visit every year, and that’s why a visitor levy could be a total game changer for us.

"Thriving communities and thriving destinations go hand in hand, but welcoming so many visitors puts pressure on the infrastructure and services our residents rely on.

"We must get this right for our county so we can invest in our communities, and our hospitality and tourism businesses. That's why I'm committed to keep talking with the sector as the details come together."

The national legislative framework enabling English mayors to introduce visitor levies is progressing through Parliament, with the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill currently in the House of Lords.

The earliest implementation date will likely be in 2027 or 2028.

Professor Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School said: “Good policy starts with good evidence. This report is not about making the case for or against a visitor levy; it is about giving the Mayor, businesses and communities the evidence they need to have an informed conversation about what could work for York and North Yorkshire.”

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