MP calls for possible Cornwall tourism tax to be developed with local businesses
Visit Cornwall is asking companies to have their say before the end of the month.
North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire says any future tourist tax would have to be developed with local businesses having their say.
Companies have until the end of the month to tell Visit Cornwall what they think of a possible visitor levy which could see a small charge added for overnight stays.
It's something that is already in place in cities like Manchester and Liverpool as well as a number of European cities.
Concerns have been raised that any tourist tax could negatively impact businesses and the local economy.
The Lib Dem MP says businesses will want to ensure its the right move before it goes any further. He said: "Whatever measures are eventually introduced it's really important we go through that consultation process and also make sure that it doesn't end up harming local tourism businesses.
"I think its really important that if this was to be introduced that we invest that money, those funds, in improving tourism infrastructure - things like changing rooms on the beach, showers and perhaps parking facilities.
"At the moment, we're struggling in places like Boscastle to even keep our local toilets open.
"I think if we were to bring this in it would certainly need to be reinvested in our tourist economy but it could also help our local authority, Cornwall Council, to raise some much needed funds too."