VISITORS to Craven and the Yorkshire Dales could soon be paying extra for overnight stays after the Visitor Levy Bill was introduced in Parliament.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has stated his commitment to the introduction of the 'tourist tax' levy which he says will be capped at five percent, describing it as a 'game-changer' for the region.
But Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith says those in the tourism industry are currently 'on their knees' and has called for the introduction of the levy to be paused until businesses are back on their feet.
Mayor Skaith says he will be working closely with residents and businesses to ensure that any levy benefits people who live, work and visit York and North Yorkshire, investing in projects such as regular buses, better public spaces and town centres, and to attract more visitors and investment into the region.
He said: "We’re home to historic towns and cities, two of the UK’s best national parks and a coastline brimming with character.
"There’s something for everyone, and we welcome more than 40 million visitors every year. That’s why an overnight visitor levy will be a total game-changer for our county.
"Investing in York and North Yorkshire’s cities, towns and villages to make them a better place to visit, and to live in, is at the heart of why I will be introducing a levy in our county."
Meanwhile, Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith, talking during the Westminster Hall debate, warned that entrepreneurs in the tourism industry are ‘on their knees’ from the combined impact of post-Covid issues, National Insurance, business rates and other factors.
Sir Julian said the plans should be stopped until businesses are back on their feet and investing again.
Speaking after the debate, Sir Julian said: "Tourism is a cornerstone of the North Yorkshire economy and now is not the time to add another burden to this world-class local sector.
“I will continue to push for the Government, and Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, to change course and take steps that allow these businesses to invest and recruit, without having to account for another cost on their bottom line.”
If the Visitor Levy Bill is passed, it will mean that regional mayors will be able to raise and invest money in a way that works best for their areas, says the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Areas that want to introduce a visitor levy will need to first set out their plans including proposed rates, thresholds, exemptions and how money will be spent alongside an impact assessment. A local consultation will then follow to ensure local people and businesses have their say.
National exemptions are built in for student accommodation, care homes, shelters, and long-term stays over 28 days, but Mayor David Skaith and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will have the ability to add in any other exemptions.
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