The Back British Holidays campaign issued its warning following recent comments from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said the current voluntary £1 “city visitor charge” should be replaced by a compulsory levy on overnight stays. The mayor is calling for government support to introduce a mandatory charge, arguing it would apply mainly to visitors from outside the region.
But the move has faced sharp criticism from the UK’s hospitality industry. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said the proposed levy would “hit consumers in the pocket” and add “further burdens on business”, warning it could reduce visitor numbers and spending in the region.
Daniel Atwood, spokesperson for Back British Holidays, echoed those concerns:
“Tourist taxes might seem like a small extra charge – but they could have a big impact.
“Local economies depend on visitor spending, and these taxes risk pushing tourists away or reducing how much they spend.
“It’s the wrong move at the wrong time.”
The Back British Holidays 2025 report warns that domestic tourism is already on a sharp decline, with a projected 32% drop in UK holiday trips and a £23.2 billion fall in visitor spending this year alone.
Back British Holidays is calling on Manchester leaders to reconsider the proposals and instead focus on strategies that encourage tourism growth — such as investment in infrastructure, promotional campaigns, and support for hospitality businesses.
To find out more or access the full report, visit: www.backbritishholidays.co.uk