Three very popular seaside towns in Bournemouth are set to be the first locations in the UK to introduce a 'tourist tax' for its visitors.
It is estimated that this scheme will generate over £12m in the next five years.
This similiar model is being rolled out across the United States and Europe, in which following a successful consultation period; 16 out of 31 local businesses in Bournemouth voted in favour of this scheme.
As part of the Poole, Christchurch and Bournemouth Accommodation Business Improvement District, visitors who plan to stay overnight in the holiday hotspots will now be charged £2 per room/unit per night.
This will be starting from the 1st July this year, just ahead of the school summer holidays!
ABID said it would "safeguard the local economy" by generating more money in which will hopefully attract more visitors to the county. The tax is being introduced to help enhance tourism, and is estimated to generate over £12m in the next five years.
Andy Lennox, destination management board chair, called the move a “historic moment for the towns,” while councillor Vikki Slade, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said: “We are excited at the prospect of working alongside them to deliver a more productive and resilient visitor economy and destination management.”
Key calendar events expected to be supported by the tourist tax include Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea, Poole Christmas Maritime and Christmas Tree Wonderland.
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