England to Align with EU Peers as Mayors Plan 2028 Accommodation Levy

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Swagata Dey

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September 11, 2026 01:41 GMT+5:30

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Image Credit: VisitBritain

England to Align with EU Peers as Mayors Plan 2028 Accommodation Levy as the country moves towards a new tourism funding approach that mirrors visitor charge systems already used across several European destinations. The reason behind this shift is the growing demand for sustainable tourism investment, with Mayors expected to gain powers to introduce an Accommodation Levy on overnight stays from around 2028. The proposed Overnight Visitor Levy would allow local leaders to raise funds for public spaces, transport, attractions and visitor services, bringing England closer to tourism models used by EU peers such as France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. The levy would be locally controlled rather than a nationwide tax, meaning charges could vary depending on destination decisions.

Why Is England Introducing a Locally Controlled Overnight Visitor Levy?

England is preparing for a new tourism funding model that could allow local authorities to charge visitors staying overnight in commercial accommodation. The proposed Overnight Visitor Levy aims to give tourism-heavy areas additional resources to manage the impact of growing visitor numbers.

The UK Government’s approach focuses on allowing Mayoral Strategic Authorities to decide whether a levy should be introduced in their areas. The revenue could support:

The policy follows a wider international trend where destinations use visitor charges to fund services that support both travellers and residents. The levy is designed as a local decision rather than a single UK-wide tourist tax.

Comparative Study: How England’s Proposed Tourist Tax Compares With Other Countries’ Visitor Levies

England’s proposed Overnight Visitor Levy follows a model already used by many tourism destinations worldwide. Countries including France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece and Japan already operate visitor taxes or accommodation levies to fund tourism infrastructure, public services and destination management.

Unlike many countries that apply national or regional visitor taxes, England’s proposed system would be locally controlled, allowing Mayoral Strategic Authorities to decide whether to introduce a levy and how revenue is used. The expected model from around 2027–2028 is therefore closer to European city-based systems rather than a single nationwide charge.

Global Tourist Tax Comparison: England vs Other Popular Destinations

How Does England’s Proposed Tourist Tax Compare With France?

France has one of the longest-running visitor levy systems in Europe. Local authorities have had the ability to introduce the taxe de séjour since 1910, allowing destinations to collect money from overnight visitors.

France vs England

France’s experience shows how visitor taxes can become an important tourism funding source when revenue is reinvested into destinations.

Why Is Amsterdam’s Tourist Tax Higher Than England’s Proposed Model?

Amsterdam operates one of the world’s highest-profile tourist tax systems. The city applies a 12.5% levy on accommodation costs, making it significantly different from traditional flat nightly visitor charges.

Amsterdam vs England

Amsterdam’s approach demonstrates how percentage-based systems increase revenue from higher-priced accommodation while reducing the impact on lower-cost stays.

How Does England Compare With Italy’s Tourist Tax System?

Italy uses one of Europe’s most established tourism tax models. Major cities including Rome, Venice and Florence charge overnight visitors different amounts depending on accommodation type.

Italy demonstrates how visitor taxes can help cities manage pressure from millions of tourists visiting cultural landmarks.

How Does Spain Use Tourist Taxes?

Spain uses regional tourism levies, especially in areas facing heavy visitor demand.

Catalonia, including Barcelona, applies accommodation taxes based on hotel category, with discussions around increasing rates to address tourism pressure and housing challenges.

Spain’s model shows how tourism taxes are increasingly linked with managing overtourism.

Which Countries Have the Highest Tourist Tax Models?

England’s discussed 5% model would place it below Amsterdam but closer to other percentage-based European systems.

How Could England’s Tourist Tax Affect International Travellers?

The levy would not target specific nationalities. However, travellers from major UK visitor markets may notice the impact more frequently because they often stay overnight in hotels and other paid accommodation.

The charge would depend on destination choice, accommodation cost and local authority decisions.

What Lessons Can England Learn From Other Countries?

International examples show that tourist taxes can work effectively when destinations:

• clearly explain where money is spent,
• invest revenue back into tourism,
• avoid excessive charges,
• maintain visitor value.

Countries using visitor levies generally focus on improving:

• transport,
• public spaces,
• heritage protection,
• environmental management.

When Could England’s Tourist Tax Start Affecting Travellers?

The proposed visitor levy is not currently active nationwide, and there is no single confirmed start date for all of England. The expected timeline points towards the 2027–2028 financial year, after the necessary legal framework and local decisions are completed.

The system means visitors will not automatically pay an additional charge everywhere in England. Instead, individual authorities will decide whether introducing a levy supports their tourism strategy.

Countries Most Likely to Feel the Impact of England’s Overnight Visitor Levy: UK Tourism Source Markets and Statistics

The proposed England Overnight Visitor Levy will not be based on nationality. Any traveller — including UK residents and international visitors — could pay the charge if they stay overnight in a destination that introduces the levy.

However, countries that send the largest number of visitors to England are likely to experience the greatest impact because their travellers frequently use hotels, guest houses and other paid accommodation. Official tourism statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and VisitBritain show that the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, India, Australia, Canada, China and the Netherlands are among the UK’s leading international visitor markets.

Leading UK Visitor Markets Potentially Affected by the Overnight Visitor Levy

Could the Overnight Visitor Levy Make UK Holidays More Expensive?

The financial impact remains uncertain because no England-wide rate has been finalised. Individual authorities would decide whether to introduce a charge and how it would operate.

Possible effects include:

Hospitality businesses have raised concerns that additional charges could increase costs and affect demand. However, supporters argue that properly managed visitor levies can improve destinations and create better experiences for travellers.

How Could the Levy Improve Tourism Across England?

Supporters believe the Overnight Visitor Levy could create a direct connection between tourism activity and destination improvements.

Potential benefits include:

• cleaner streets,
• improved transport,
• stronger attractions,
• better visitor facilities,
• improved destination planning.

For tourism communities, the levy could provide additional funding to manage the costs created by high visitor numbers.

The policy reflects a shift towards responsible tourism, where destinations focus not only on attracting visitors but also on protecting the places those visitors come to enjoy.

Conclusion

England Set To Introduce New Tourist Tax as Mayoral Authorities Could Introduce 5% Overnight Visitor Levy From 2028 as the proposed policy creates a new chapter in England’s approach to tourism management. The reason behind the New Tourist Tax is to provide destinations with additional funding to improve facilities, maintain public spaces and support the growing demands created by visitors. While the 5% Overnight Visitor Levy From 2028 remains a possible model rather than a confirmed national charge, Mayoral Authorities Could Introduce local versions depending on their tourism priorities. The levy could influence future accommodation costs for travellers, but its long-term impact will depend on how effectively the revenue is invested. By linking visitor contributions with destination improvements, England aims to develop a more sustainable tourism funding system.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will England introduce the Overnight Visitor Levy?

The levy could become possible around the 2027–2028 period, depending on legislation and local authority decisions.

Will every English city charge tourists?

No. The levy will be optional and decided locally.

Who will pay the visitor levy?

Visitors staying overnight in participating paid accommodation are expected to pay.

Will international tourists pay more than UK travellers?

No. The charge would be based on accommodation use, not nationality.

Why is England introducing this levy?

The aim is to provide additional funding for tourism infrastructure, public services and destination improvements.