‘English Tourism Week’, which runs until 23 March, kicked off with a jaunty reception in Downing Street. Various ‘celebratory’ and industry events are planned for this week. But those who work in England’s tourist industry are not in the mood for celebrating. For all the fanfare, our tourist and hospitality sectors are in trouble – and the government is to blame.

The tax will further cripple the marginalised UK tourism sector

The tax will further cripple the marginalised UK tourism sector

To celebrate ‘Tourism Week’ while at the same time administering a punishment beating that hits B&B, hotel and pub owners, as well as self-catering and Airbnb owners, is the equivalent of chartering a luxury bus to parade the English cricket team – ‘Cricket Awareness Week’ – down Whitehall after their last 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

The Edinburgh tourist tax, which will hit those who stay overnight in the city with a five per cent levy from July, is a poster example of a policy that is anti-growth. Liverpool and Manchester already impose a visitor charge. And Wales is introducing its own tourism tax from April 2027. The bad news is that the rest of the UK could soon follow this example, if the unpopular ‘Tourism Tax’ is included in this year’s King’s Speech.

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Industry leaders at the Downing Street reception think it will. This will give the green light for other Labour-controlled mayoral........

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