In a bid to clamp down on overtourism and protect places of interest, popular holiday destinations across Europe and beyond have introduced “tourist taxes ”. In recent years, this has come into play in destinations such as Venice , Lake Como , Brussels and parts of Japan – and now, UK hotspots are following suit. In May 2024, it was announced that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole would be introducing a similar levy for tourists and visitors, becoming the first destinations in the UK to do so.
The new fee, which came into place on Monday, 1 July 2024, will be priced at £2 per room per night and will apply to those staying in larger hotels in the area. In addition to preserving the local community and its tourism services, the funds will be used to sustain and develop events, which should, in turn, hopefully attract more visitors. According to Bournemouth University, the Dorset city attracts 3.
5 million people in the summer months alone. Meanwhile, a 2022 report published by the BCP council stated that in April of that year, Bournemouth’s high street received a footfall of 4.6 million, Christchurch welcomed 1.
3 million and Poole high street had over 2.6 million visitors – and all figures were higher than pre-pandemic levels. Speaking of the changes, the region’s Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) said that the new measures would help “safeguard the local economy” and would bring in an estimated £12 million over the next five years.
Rosie Rad.