Labour’s Dan Price supports move to Tourist Tax
The introduction of a tourism levy or "tourist tax" in Cheshire represents a short-sighted and punitive measure for an industry that is still working to stabilize after years of economic turbulence. Imposing an additional nightly fee on hotel guests, B&B visitors, and tourists directly drives up the cost of hospitality, rendering the region far less competitive compared to neighboring areas without such taxes. Rather than encouraging regional growth, this policy penalises visitors who typically support local shops, attractions, and cultural sites, ultimately dampening overall visitor numbers.
The local hospitality sector - comprising independent hotels, family-run B&Bs, pubs, and restaurants - operates on notoriously thin profit margins. A tourist tax risks functioning as a financial deterrent that scares off budget-conscious travelers and families, triggering a ripple effect of reduced bookings, lower revenues, and potential business closures. Far from being a harmless revenue generator for local authorities, the levy directly threatens the livelihoods of hospitality workers and small business owners who form the...
