Liverpool is preparing to launch a £2 “tourist tax” for overnight stays starting in June 2025, following a vote of approval from hotel owners.
The tax is projected to generate up to £9.2 million over two years, as estimated by Accommodation BID, which represents 83 hotels and serviced apartment operators in the city.
Of the hotels balloted regarding the charge, 59 percent were in favor, with a turnout of 53 percent.
Liverpool was the fifth-most visited city in the UK in 2023, drawing approximately 900,000 visitors.
Public opinion on the new tax has been varied
About 73 percent of the funds raised will be allocated to bolstering Liverpool’s visitor economy, according to Liverpool BID Company, which manages Accommodation BID.
The organization stated that the tax, known as the £2 City Visitor Charge, would give a significant boost to the tourism and visitor sector in the UK’s fifth-largest city.
The charge will be collected and managed by accommodation providers and hotels, either at check-in or at the conclusion of the stay.
The collected funds will be administered by Accommodation BID, which includes two business improvement districts in the city center and represents over 800 companies.
Public response to the new tax has been mixed, with some expressing concerns that it could discourage visitors from coming to the city.
One individual commented on X: “This tourist tax might deter visitors when Liverpool’s already struggling to attract tourists. I live in the UK & shouldn’t have to pay a tax to visit a UK city.”
Another stated: “I love a break in Liverpool, but that’s me done with it now they’re going to impose a £2 tourist tax on visitors.”
Others have endorsed the scheme, with one X user remarking: “These things help cities thrive, it’s a bit of extra money in the pot for services. Amsterdam’s got one, Paris has got one – London should introduce one.”
Marcus Magee, chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, described the tax as “crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city.”
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Accommodation providers and hotels will oversee and manage the tax
He added that it was a significant step toward allowing the city’s hospitality sector to have a say in decisions about the visitor economy.
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, mentioned that the levy would aid Liverpool in attracting larger events.
“The evidence from other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into substantial investment, enabling us to host world-leading and world-class events,” he explained.
The scheme is designed to draw more visitors and revenue to the city.
