Panic in York as Locals Worry Tourist Tax Plan Will Backfire
Residents of York express concerns that a proposed tourist tax could harm the city’s appeal and economy
York, UK, Tourist Tax, Hospitality, Economy
York: There’s quite a stir in York right now. Locals are really worried that a new tourist tax could end up doing more harm than good.
This historic city, known for its beautiful architecture and rich culture, is thinking about a tourist tax to help fund its attractions. Sounds good, right? But many residents are concerned it might make York less appealing to visitors.
A tourist tax is basically a fee for travelers who stay overnight. The idea is to use that money to improve local infrastructure and keep attractions running smoothly. Cities like Barcelona and Paris have been doing this for a while, charging anywhere from about 80p to £4.12 per night.
Last year, York welcomed around nine million visitors, with 1.7 million staying overnight. So, the tax could bring in a nice chunk of change. But locals fear it might push visitors away and make things pricier.
Andy Barnsdale, who runs a hotel near the station, shared his thoughts with the BBC. He said adding another cost could hurt York’s competitiveness, especially for the hospitality industry, which is already struggling.
On the flip side, Paul Helmsley from a local guesthouse is open to the idea, as long as the money goes back into the city. He wants transparency about where the funds are spent.
A spokesperson from the Hospitality Association York mentioned that discussions about this tax have been going on for about a year, but nothing has really moved forward. They worry that any extra costs could hurt York’s standing as a tourist spot and impact the local economy.