Manchester introduces £1 a night tourist tax

Manchester has become the first city in the UK to impose an explicit tourist tax - hoping to raise around £3m revenue per year. Many European cities already do this, and it's not seen as unusual. The money is being hypothecated to develop its visitor experience. Edinburgh are considering something similar.

Please read: Manchester’s £1-a-night tourist tax comes into force (Guardian)

Manchester Tourist Tax, also known as the City Visitor Charge, is a flat rate of £1 per night per room that is charged to overnight visitors staying in hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodation in the city centre of Manchester. The tax was introduced in April 2023 and is expected to raise £3 million per year.

The money raised from the tax will be used to fund a range of projects that will improve the visitor experience in Manchester, such as:

• Improving public transport: The money will be used to improve public transport in the city centre, such as by increasing the frequency of buses and trams.
• Improving the city's cultural attractions: The money will be used to improve the city's cultural attractions, such as museums and galleries.
• Improving the city's green spaces: The money will be used to improve the city's green spaces, such as parks and gardens.

The Manchester Tourist Tax is a controversial issue, with some people arguing that it is unfair to charge visitors to the city, while others argue that it is a necessary way to fund the improvements that are needed to make Manchester a more attractive tourist destination.