Liverpool ‘vacationer tax’ of £2 to be charged for in a single day remains

People staying in a single day in Liverpool should pay a “tourist tax” after hoteliers voted in favour of plans to introduce one.

A poll by means of Accommodation BID, which represents 83 inns within the town, discovered that almost all of those that voted supported the speculation of a £2 City Visitor Charge.

Accommodation BID, which additionally represents serviced condominium suppliers in Liverpool, thinks the levy will lift £9.2m over two years, of which £6.7m will cross in opposition to supporting town’s customer economic system.

Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID, mentioned the levy would “turbo charge” town’s tourism and customer economic system when it comes into drive in June.

The rate shall be controlled and administered by means of inns and serviced lodging suppliers, both when visitors take a look at in or on the finish in their keep.

Money raised underneath the scheme shall be administered by means of Accommodation BID.

Liverpool BID Company comprises two industry development districts within the town centre and represents greater than 800 companies in Liverpool.

For an in a single day customer rate to be carried out in England, a transparent and clear marketing strategy will have to be equipped for a way the cash raised shall be spent.

Of the 83 inns in Liverpool balloted in regards to the customer rate, 59% had been in favour, on a turnout of 53%.

Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, mentioned the poll was once a “major step” in enabling town’s hospitality sector to have a say and a power on choices in regards to the customer economic system.

This, he mentioned, was once “crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city”.

Bill Addy, leader govt of Liverpool BID Company, mentioned the £2 levy would lend a hand Liverpool draw in larger occasions which, in flip, would convey extra guests and cash to town.

“We have always said the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it,” he mentioned.

“The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events.”

In April 2023, Manchester changed into the first town in the United Kingdom to introduce a “tourist tax”.

The City Visitor Charge – a £1 consistent with room, consistent with evening price – raised about £2.8m in its first yr.

Visitors to Liverpool who spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside mentioned the £2-per-night levy would now not put them off.

Joao Pedro Benedetti, from Brazil, is on an afternoon commute to Liverpool from Manchester, the place he’s staying for 3 nights.

He mentioned he idea the rate was once now not “abusive”, and “only small”.

“I think it is only fair,” he mentioned.

Tash and Jack from Newcastle are staying in Liverpool for the weekend.

They mentioned the £2 would now not deter them from returning.

Tash mentioned the rate “sounds pretty reasonable”.

“It’s just that little bit extra and so many places are bringing in a tourism tax now.

“It is solely turning into the norm.”