Mayors fear tourism tax would put visitors off
Mayors in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have expressed opposition to a proposed government-backed tourism tax on overnight stays. Local leaders argue that the additional cost could discourage visitors and further burden the hospitality sector.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between local government revenue-raising initiatives and the economic health of the regional tourism industry.
Image source, Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images Image caption, Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns said the tax could put off visitors to the region
Elected mayors in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire say they have no plans to introduce a tourist tax.
Under new government plans, regional mayors in England would have the power to introduce a charge on overnight accommodation stays.
It would be an uncapped fee as a percentage of the cost of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other types of accommodation, and the money could go towards improving high streets and local transport, the government said.
But Luke Campbell, mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said his "instinct" was not to implement it, while Greater Lincolnshire's Dame Andrea Jenkyns said she did not want to drive visitors away.
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