HULL & EAST RIDING – Mayor Luke’s position on an Overnight Visitor Levy has not changed.
He supports Mayors having the power available to them because different regions have different economies and local leaders should be able to decide what is right for their area.
For Hull and East Yorkshire, his instinct is not to introduce a levy, and he does not believe now is the right time to add another cost for visitors or businesses. Tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses are already facing significant cost pressures, and his priority is backing the businesses that make Hull and East Yorkshire such a great place to visit, not adding another burden.
Mayor Luke has met directly with businesses from the hospitality and tourism sector, including those operating in rural communities, and understands the concerns they have raised.
Hull and East Yorkshire also has a different visitor economy to places such as York or Edinburgh, with a smaller overnight visitor base and a significant coastal, rural and seasonal offer. Any future consideration would therefore need to take account of both the revenue that could realistically be raised and any potential impact on visitor numbers, jobs and local businesses.
The Mayor will continue to listen to the sector and local partners, and any future consideration of a levy would need to be based on clear evidence that it would deliver a genuine benefit for Hull and East Yorkshire.
Mayor Luke said:
“I support Mayors having the power because every region is different and we know our own areas best. But having the power doesn’t mean you have to use it.
“I’ve spoken directly to people running tourism and hospitality businesses here and I understand why they’re worried. They’re already dealing with enough pressure, so my instinct is not to add another cost for visitors or businesses.
“Right now, I want us backing the businesses that make Hull and East Yorkshire such a great place to visit, not making things harder for them.
“I would never rule out a sensible idea forever, but anything like this would have to be right for our area. It would need to bring a clear benefit back into Hull and East Yorkshire without damaging jobs, businesses or visitor numbers.”