Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 Scrap proposed England holiday tax, hospitality bosses urge

Critics say the proposed tax could force families to shorten trips or spend their money overseas.

* 200 hospitality and leisure bosses have urged the government to scrap plans for a tax on people taking holidays in England.
* The government is considering allowing mayors and local leaders to introduce a "modest" tourist tax or visitor levy to raise revenue.
* Major holiday providers, including Butlin's and Travelodge, say the proposed tax would drain money from local businesses.
* They estimate that a £2 per person, per night tax would add an extra £100 or more to a two-week holiday.
* The government says it wants the tax to be calculated as a proportion of accommodation costs, rather than a flat rate.
* Some English cities already have a visitor levy in place, but it is voluntary and added by businesses rather than being a local authority tax.
* Scotland and Wales have the power to introduce a visitor levy, with some Scottish cities set to do so this summer.
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