England is set to join a growing list of European destinations charging visitors a local tourism levy, after the government approved a measure giving city mayors the power to introduce taxes on overnight stays. According to Euronews, the new legislation will enable local authorities to charge visitors staying in hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and holiday lets a supplementary fee. Funds collected through the tax will go toward upgrading infrastructure, strengthening public transport, and supporting cultural programs.
Government officials argue that even a modest surcharge could generate substantial revenue to enhance public services and tourism infrastructure without increasing central government expenditure. The decision follows similar initiatives already implemented or soon to be introduced in Scotland and Wales. In Scotland, Edinburgh is introducing a 5 percent tourist tax on the cost of a room per night, starting July 2026. In Wales, local authorities will be able to charge £1.30 ($1.52) per person per night from April 2027.
Tourist Tax Models Across Europe Guide The UK’s New Consultation
The UK is joining numerous European countries that already implement tourist taxes. Euronews reports that more than a dozen EU countries already levy fees in select cities, including Austria, Belgium, Greece, and Slovenia. These charges typically range from €1.50 ($1.74) per night to a percentage of a hotel bill, collected at check-in or check-out.
Some destinations have introduced more substantial charges, such as Venice, which doubled its day-tripper fee to €10 ($11.62) in 2025. Barcelona increased its surcharge to a maximum of €4 ($4.65) per night last year and has approved a plan to raise it by €1 ($1.16) each year until it reaches €8 ($9.30) in 2029.
A twelve-week consultation period on the tourist tax is now open until February 18, during which the government will consider how the UK’s tourist levies should be designed, whether a cap is necessary, and which exemptions should apply. Per the Euronews report, emergency accommodation, homeless shelters, and registered Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller sites used as primary residences would be exempt. Mayors could add other local exemptions as needed, the government says.
