London Unites With Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Glasgow, York, Bristol, and Others Set to Change Tourism Dynamics of UK with New Travel Taxes from 2026-27: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 29, 2025

London unites with Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Glasgow, York, Bristol, and others are set to introduce new travel taxes from 2026-27, aiming to boost tourism infrastructure and sustainability across UK. As the country experiences a surge in tourism, these cities are taking proactive steps to address the growing pressures on public services and local resources. By implementing visitor levies, they hope to ensure that tourists contribute to the upkeep and enhancement of the very destinations they enjoy. These taxes will provide much-needed funding for improving local transport, preserving historic sites, and enhancing public services. With new levies ranging from accommodation charges in London and Glasgow to city-specific visitor fees in Liverpool and Manchester, the UK is embracing a new era of tourism management. This shift not only promises to support the growing tourism sector but also aims to balance the needs of residents and visitors alike. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the upcoming travel taxes and the impact they will have on the UK’s tourism dynamics.

London’s Proposed Visitor Levy: A Potential £240 Million Boost

London is expected to implement a 5% visitor levy following consultations. This levy would apply to overnight accommodation costs, potentially raising up to £240 million per year. The funds will be used to support tourism infrastructure, transportation, and public services in the capital, helping to alleviate the pressures of its massive tourism sector.

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy: Ready to Roll in 2026

Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital, is set to introduce a Visitor Levy in July 2026. This levy will charge 5% of the net accommodation cost, capped at 5 nights. The goal is to generate additional revenue to support the city’s tourism infrastructure while balancing the demands of its popular tourist industry. The levy will be levied on overnight stays, helping maintain the city’s public services and public spaces.

Glasgow’s New Tourism Tax: Coming in 2027

Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural hub, will introduce a 5% statutory visitor levy on overnight accommodation starting in January 2027. This move is designed to fund the city’s tourism infrastructure and related services. The charge will help address the growing needs of Glasgow’s tourism sector while improving services for both locals and visitors alike.

Liverpool’s £2 City Visitor Charge: Live from June 2025

Liverpool has introduced a city visitor charge via its accommodation business improvement district (ABID). From 1 June 2025, overnight stays in participating hotels and serviced accommodations will carry a £2 per room per night levy. The charge was approved by hoteliers in a ballot and aims to reinvest directly into the city’s visitor economy — funding events, destination marketing and infrastructure to boost tourism. The scheme currently applies to properties above a certain rateable value, and is managed by the local ABID rather than the city council.

Aberdeen’s Visitor Levy: Set for April 2027

Aberdeen will introduce a visitor levy in April 2027, imposing a 7% tax on overnight stays. This initiative will help fund the city’s infrastructure, making it easier to manage the demands of tourism while enhancing the quality of life for residents. The levy will contribute to improving public facilities and supporting the local economy.

Cardiff’s Visitor Levy: Wales Joins the Trend in 2027

Cardiff, along with other Welsh local authorities, will introduce a visitor levy in April 2027. The levy will be set at up to £1.30 per person, per night, with funds used to support tourism infrastructure and public services. This move will help manage the impact of tourism on the city’s resources while enhancing the visitor experience.

Greater Manchester’s City Visitor Charge: Already Active

Greater Manchester already has an active visitor charge through an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID), with a rate of £1 per room, per night. The Mayor supports transitioning this into a statutory levy, potentially raising up to £40 million annually. The revenue will be used to fund tourism infrastructure and local events, enhancing the visitor experience across the region.

York and North Yorkshire: A Visitor Levy to Raise £26 Million

York and North Yorkshire are planning a visitor levy, with the support of the Mayor. This proposed levy would range from £1 to £2 per night and could generate an estimated £26 million annually. This revenue will be directed toward enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure and ensuring that the 41 million visitors contribute to maintaining local services and amenities.

Bath’s Visitor Levy: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism

Bath, known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, is pushing for a visitor levy to help fund tourism infrastructure and public services. The rate will be determined through consultations with the tourism sector. The funds generated will be directed toward improving transport, public spaces, and preserving the city’s historical integrity.

Bristol’s Visitor Levy: Aiming for Tourism Balance

Bristol, like Bath, is exploring a visitor levy to help offset the costs of tourism. The exact rate will be decided after consultation with local stakeholders. The funds raised will help improve the city’s infrastructure, transportation, and public spaces, ensuring that both visitors and residents benefit from tourism.

Conclusion

The introduction of new travel taxes by London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Glasgow, York, Bristol, and others from 2026-27 marks a significant shift in the UK’s tourism management. These levies will help improve infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and ensure that tourists contribute to the upkeep of local services. This unified approach is set to balance tourism growth with community needs.

London unites with Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Glasgow, York, Bristol, and others are set to introduce new travel taxes from 2026-27, aiming to boost tourism infrastructure and sustainability across UK.

As these taxes come into effect, they will reshape the UK’s tourism dynamics, fostering a sustainable and equitable future for both visitors and residents.