The mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has stressed that she won’t be introducing a tourism tax, warning that it could ‘drive out’ people from visiting the region.
This comes after the government announced plans to give regional mayors more powers to introduce an uncapped visitor levy in a bid to bring more money into local areas, writes Local Democracy Reporter Oliver Castle.
It said mayors would be able to bring in an uncapped fee as a percentage of the cost of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other types of accommodation, rather than a flat fee – and this could go towards bringing in extra cash for things like improving high streets and local transport.
But Dame Andrea Jenkyns has reiterated that she won’t be introducing the levy as she fears it could discourage visitors.
Ms Jenkyns said: “The government’s made more announcements about devolution powers that I completely welcome – having more powers and ensuring that your voice is heard here in our region.
“But one thing I won’t be implementing is the visitor levy. I can see how our hospitality industry has been quite frankly hammered over the years – the B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast), the hotels, the pubs and restaurants.
“I do not want to drive out people from visiting our region, so I will not be implementing it.
“People are struggling anyway, so don’t worry, your seaside holidays, the local businesses, I’ve got your back.”
Ms Jenkyns previously ruled out introducing a tourism tax in April this year and said this levy would add on more costs onto local businesses and risked putting people off from visiting the region.
