'Why should Britain pay?' UK cities could impose tourist tax for visitors as Britons forced to pay abroad
Tourists could start paying if they visit the UK
GETTY
British holidaymakers are often hit by tourist taxes when visiting other countries.
The Mayor of Manchester has said similar fees should not be ruled out across the UK.
Holidaymakers visiting parts of Spain, Portugal and Belgium pay fees to the country.
Scotland already charges a local visitor levy based on the percentage of the accommodation cost.
England is a popular spot for tourists to visit
PA
Wales has also discussed the idea of tourist tax, but similar charges are not in effect in all parts of the UK.
The mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said these charges should not be "off the table".
“Why should a British tourist pay those taxes when they go to other places?
“Why shouldn’t a city region like ours, which receives... a considerable number of visitors to come and see music, football... why shouldn’t we?" he told i's Labour's Plan For Power podcast.
Some hotels in Manchester have already introduced a voluntary tourist tax of £1 a night per room.
The fund for this are used to keep the city clean and go towards events that can help boost the tourist economy.
How much do Britons pay in tourist tax?
The charge depends on where you are visiting.
Those heading to Barcelona will be hit with an increased fee of €3.25 (£2.80) from April 2024.
Those in Valencia pay between 50 cent and €2 (£1.75) depending on the accomodation they are staying in.
Olhão in Portugal charges Britons €2 a night if they stay between April and October, with the cost halved during other months.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Tourist tax can go towards maintaining the city
PA
Thailand is scheduled to introduce a tax of around 300 Baht (£6.75).
The charge in Belgium can vary but in general costs around €7.50 (£6.50).
Venice installed a daily tax for anyone over 14 costing around €5 (around £4.30).
This is part of its plans to combat overtourism.
Iceland is set to introduce a tourist tax in 2024 to support the climate.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said: "Tourism has really grown exponentially in Iceland in the last decade and that obviously is not just creating effects on the climate."
You may like
