Concerns have once again been raised over a potential BCP tourist tax
A 'visitor levy' has been suggested in BCP Council's 10-year plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Concerns raised over potential introduction of a visitor levy that could impact overnight stays.
A visitor levy is inferred in the newly approved BCP Growth Plan, a ten-year plan for the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area, which aims to create a more connected, productive, and inclusive economy by 2036.
Council leader Millie Earl said: “The vision is for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to become better connected, more productive and more sustainable and to have a genuinely inclusive economy by 2036.”
She described the plan as timely and important, particularly as the region looks ahead to further devolution and potential investment opportunities.
However during the debate concern was raised about the a visitor levy might have.
Cllr Sara Armstrong said: “On reading the growth plan there are many principles I support but I noted a proposal that gives me and many residents who work in the hospitality sector concern and that is the inference of a visitor levy on overnight stays with the money ringfenced to support the visitor economy.
“We are potentially targeting the wrong visitors here the people who stay overnight are exactly the visitors that we would want to see more of here because they book hotels they stay in guesthouses they eat in our restaurants they use local attractions and they visit our shops and yet this potential proposal will ask them to pay more.”
Cllr Armstrong argued that day visitors create significant demand on public services but contribute less economically than overnight guests.
She said: “If our ambition is to increase visitor spend and encourage longer stays here why would be make it more expensive to stay here?
“our hospitality is under immense pressure and are really fighting hard to stay viable and the last thing they need is an extra charge that could make BCP a less competitive than a neighbouring destination.”
Despite these concerns, the wider aims of the growth plan were broadly supported with 50 councillors voting in favour, four against, and seven abstaining.