The Government has confirmed that England will introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy. Here’s what our members need to know.

🔹 Who can introduce it? Mayoral and foundation strategic authorities
🔹 How is it calculated? As a percentage of accommodation cost
🔹 Is there a national cap? No – on the rate nor the number of consecutive nights
🔹 Can rates vary? No – not by season, accommodation type or constituent authority
🔹 Who collects it? Accommodation providers, who will be responsible for collecting and remitting the levy

That last point matters. This is not simply a charge on leisure tourists. It will apply to overnight stays across the visitor economy – including business travel, conferences, festivals and other events.

And there are still major questions to resolve.

Government’s own consultation showed significant opposition to key elements of the proposal, yet they are proceeding.

The Tourism Alliance will now press for:

✅ A sector-specific impact assessment
✅ A simple, workable national framework
✅ Proper VAT treatment
✅ Genuine additional investment in the visitor economy
✅ Transparency over how the money is raised and spent

The decision has been made. Now Government needs to get the design right.

Read the full Government response to the consultationVisitor_Levy_in_England_-_government_response