The English Riviera BID Company shares Visit Devon’s serious concerns about Government plans to give local leaders powers to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy, and echoes its warning that an additional charge could negatively impact the English Riviera’s visitor economy.

Chris Hart, Chair of the English Riviera BID Company, said:

“The English Riviera’s visitor economy supports thousands of businesses and jobs, and we are particularly concerned about the potential impact of a levy on the domestic tourism market, on which we rely heavily.

“This is simply the wrong tax at the wrong time. Tourism and hospitality businesses are already facing significant cost pressures, while many families are carefully managing their household budgets. Adding further to the cost of a holiday on the English Riviera risks making us less competitive and could influence where visitors choose to stay.

“Small and independent businesses form the backbone of the English Riviera’s visitor economy and make a substantial contribution to economic growth and employment. We do not want to see an additional levy putting that contribution at risk.

“Before any levy is considered, there must be a full and independent economic impact assessment examining the implications for visitor demand, businesses, jobs, investment, and the wider tourism supply chain.

“The English Riviera BID Company is opposed to the introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy across the English Riviera. We will continue to make the case for policies that support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of our visitor economy, rather than threaten them.”