Holiday tax: the wrong policy at the worst possible time
The Government published its holiday tax legislation (Visitor Levy Bill) on 4 November 2026. We have been analysing the detail against the views and practical concerns raised by members.
Member briefing
The Visitor Levy (England) Bill would give strategic authorities the power to introduce a local charge on overnight stays.
We remain opposed to the tax. This briefing explains what the Bill could mean for your business and where we’re pressing for changes as it moves through Parliament.
Overnight Visitor Levy - how to get ahead of the legislation
We will hold a webinar to explain the legislation, discuss its practical implications for hospitality businesses and hear members’ priorities as we continue our engagement with Government.
We still aim to defeat this legislation. In the meantime, we will continue to press for changes to the Bill and for workable national rules as the detail is developed.
How much extra will your holiday cost - and how you can get involved
We need everyone – from hospitality businesses to holidaymakers – to urge the Government to scrap the unfair holiday tax.
If a holiday tax rate is introduced, it could affect families, jobs and communities across England.
If you’re a hospitality business, please use our toolkit below to share with your guests, visitors and members of the public widely.
Momentum to stop the holiday tax continues to grow. We've seen more than 34,000 members of the public write to their MP and in excess of 54,000 people visit our dedicated campaign page.
The economic impact of a holiday tax
Modelling by Oxford Economics, commissioned by UKHospitality, lays bare the devastating impact a holiday tax in England would have on holidaymakers, businesses and the economy.
All scenarios analysed result in a reduction in GDP, tourism spending, nights spent in accommodation and total jobs.
Write to your MP and highlight the impact on your business
Hospitality businesses can write to their MP using our easy tool to share how they will be impacted by a holiday tax and urging them to oppose its introduction.
Alongside members of the public writing to their MP, this will strengthen the case against the proposed tax.
Scotland Visitor Levy tracker
There are multiple local authorities across Scotland pursuing plans for a Visitor Levy, or holiday tax.
We have broken down the stages of each Visitor Levy with the relevant local authority for members to keep informed with the updates.
Wales Visitor Levy tracker
The Welsh Government has passed legislation that gives local authorities in Wales the ability to introduce a Visitor Levy, or holiday tax.
The Bill allows local authorities to introduce a levy from April 2027.
Campaign history
Our holiday tax consultation response
In our response to the Government's consultation on introducing a holiday tax, we warned that the tax would be the wrong policy at the worst time.
Members can exclusively read our response on the now closed consultation.
Our letter to the Chancellor
More than 200 hospitality bosses urged the Government to scrap the unfair holiday tax.
Leading accommodation providers including Butlin's, Haven, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Merlin Entertainments, Parkdean Resorts, Travelodge and Whitbread warn that the proposed holiday tax will "hit families hardest, put jobs at risk and drain money from local communities."
Find out more
Holiday tax: member briefing
New modelling lays bare the devastating impact a holiday tax in England would have on holidaymakers, businesses and the economy.
‘Holiday Tax Bill’ will cost jobs and hike prices for families
‘Shocking’ decision to give Mayor’s uncapped holiday tax powers will hit family breaks and hospitality jobs.
