York and North Yorkshire Policy Lab report recommends £1 a night visitor levy in York and North Yorkshire 

York and North Yorkshire's Policy Lab's report published today examines the region's visitor economy, as well as the risks, challenges and opportunities of a visitor levy.  

The report also sets out different models, including flat and percentage rates, and makes a series of recommendations for the region. 

It found that modest levies do not deter visitors to destinations that already have a high appeal, with visitor growth in places like Edinburgh, Manchester, Paris and Barcelona remaining steady following its implementation. 

The report also recommends that  a simple low-cost digital platform with a flat £1 a night fee and potential exemptions for low-cost stays in a bid to reduce the burden on small operators and campsites. 

At £1 a night the Visitor Levy could raise up to £26 million for the region to invest back into its hospitality and tourism industry while making improvements to the infrastructure that both tourists and residents rely on. 

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: 

“York and North Yorkshire has something for everyone. Millions visit every year, and that’s why a visitor levy could be a total game changer for us. 

"Thriving communities and thriving destinations go hand in hand, but welcoming so many visitors puts pressure on the infrastructure and services our residents rely on. 

"We must get this right for our county because if we do, we can invest in our hospitality and tourism sector and our communities like never before."  

Professor Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School at York St John University, Professor of Tourism Geographies and the academic lead for the Policy Lab said: 

“Good policy starts with good evidence. This report is not about making the case for or against a visitor levy, it is about giving the Mayor, businesses and communities the evidence they need to have an informed conversation about what could work for York and North Yorkshire. Our findings suggest that a visitor levy is a viable option worth exploring further, but the detail matters.   

“Any future levy would need to be simple and proportionate, underpinned by transparent governance and meaningful engagement with businesses and communities. Crucially, there must also be a clear commitment that any revenue raised is invested back into the places and visitor economy that generate it, with benefits that are visible to businesses, visitors and communities across York and North Yorkshire.” 

The report comes as results of the national consultation into visitor levies are expected in the coming weeks. Combined Authorities are set to receive powers to implement them later this year under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. 

Mayor David Skaith will continue to meet with the region’s tourism and hospitality groups as he develops plans for an overnight visitor levy over the coming months in partnership with York St John University and the Policy Lab. 

Read more about the Policy Lab.