EAST RIDING – Hull and East Yorkshire’s mayor Luke Campbell has confirmed that he will not introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays, despite new powers giving regional authorities the option to levy one. The government’s measure, designed to raise revenue for local services, has sparked debate across the country, with questions over whether such a charge would support or undermine local economies.
Campbell has made his position clear. “I think it’s just another tax and I think people are paying enough taxes… We’d all love the extra pennies but we need to promote tourism. I think by adding a tourism levy we’ll do the opposite.”
Tourism remains a major part of the regional economy. Hull, Beverley and the coast attracted more than 12 million visitors last year, generating hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue. Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality, have expressed concern that even a small nightly fee could discourage visitors in an already competitive market.
Although the powers would allow the charge to be introduced immediately, Campbell has instead asked officials to carry out a full assessment with councils, businesses and tourism groups. He has said that any decision must support growth, not hinder it, and must be based on evidence rather than political pressure.
For now, Hull and East Yorkshire join other areas choosing not to adopt a tourism levy, keeping the focus on strengthening visitor numbers, hospitality investment and the wider visitor economy.