A coalition of English mayors is urging the government to enable local authorities to implement a visitor levy similar to that of Barcelona. This appeal aims to generate income from the millions of tourists visiting cities like Liverpool and Manchester, which could potentially raise significant funds for local infrastructure projects. The mayors argue that enabling this levy would empower regional growth and lessen reliance on central government. They emphasize the need for urgent action, as devolved nations are already implementing their own levies, risking England's competitive edge.
The city hosted Eurovision in 2023, which generated 54m in direct economic impact. If a 1- to 5-a-night levy were introduced in Greater Manchester, it could raise between 8m and 40m a year.
The mayors said funds raised through a visitor levy would be ringfenced for local reinvestment, and said the government needed to act urgently, as devolved governments in Scotland and Wales are moving ahead with their own tourism levies.
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