BCP Council Pushes for Visitor Levy to Boost Sustainable Tourism in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, UK

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) have long been popular destinations for UK and international tourists, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, with the increase in tourism, the region has faced growing pressure on its infrastructure and resources. In response to these challenges, BCP Council is seeking clarification from the UK Government regarding the eligibility of its area for a new visitor levy, designed to support the local tourism economy. The visitor levy, announced as part of the recent UK Government budget, aims to charge visitors for overnight stays in hotels, holiday lets, and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs).

This new levy, which is already in effect in other major tourist cities such as New York and Paris, is seen as a significant opportunity for BCP to generate additional funds for destination management and sustainable tourism. The council has raised concerns, however, that BCP might miss out on this opportunity, as it is not currently included within the jurisdiction of a Strategic Mayoral Authority, which is required to apply the levy.

The Impact of the Visitor Levy on BCP’s Tourism Industry

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole collectively attract more than 10 million visitors annually. With their stunning beaches, historic towns, and local attractions, these destinations are a major draw for holidaymakers. However, the increasing number of tourists has placed considerable strain on the local infrastructure, from maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches to managing parking, public safety, and travel. As one of the UK’s leading tourist areas, the introduction of a visitor levy would provide the region with much-needed funding to address these pressures and ensure the ongoing growth and success of the local tourism industry.

The visitor levy would create a sustainable revenue stream for BCP, helping to manage and improve the region’s tourism-related services without burdening local taxpayers. This additional funding could be used for various purposes, including maintaining public spaces, improving infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience, and promoting BCP as a top-tier destination in the UK.

However, the key issue facing BCP Council is that the area is not currently within a Strategic Mayoral Authority, a prerequisite for implementing the levy under the new government proposal. Without this designation, BCP may be excluded from the scheme and miss out on a valuable source of funding that could directly benefit the local tourism sector.

Advocating for Devolution and Local Control

As part of the Wessex Partnership, which includes Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset Councils, BCP Council has been advocating for the devolution of powers and resources to the region. By decentralizing the management of tourism-related funding, the council argues, local communities and businesses will be better equipped to respond to the challenges of growing tourism.

The council has made it clear that it is ready for devolution as soon as possible, enabling it to better support tourism infrastructure and the local economy. Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations, has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed, seeking clarification on whether BCP could apply the visitor levy at a local level. Cllr Herrett highlighted that the levy would provide a much-needed financial boost to the region, helping to address the strain caused by increasing tourism.

The Importance of Local Funding for Tourism

The visitor levy is seen by BCP Council as an essential tool to help grow and sustain the local tourism industry without placing additional financial pressure on residents. Recent cuts to Local Authority budgets have limited the council’s ability to market the area effectively and host major events, which are crucial in attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.

By implementing the levy, the council would be able to reinvest the funds directly into the tourism sector, benefiting both businesses and residents. Local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the Destination Management Board have expressed strong support for the idea of using the funds raised by the levy within the tourism industry. They argue that this approach would ensure that the money is spent effectively, supporting initiatives that promote and enhance the region’s tourism offerings.

These organizations believe that a clear and transparent system, where funds generated from visitors are reinvested in tourism-related services, would help maintain and improve the region’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. This approach would ensure that the levy has a direct positive impact on the local economy and helps sustain tourism growth in the long term.

National Consultation on the Visitor Levy

In response to the concerns raised by BCP Council and other regions, the Government has launched a national consultation to gather input from businesses, communities, and stakeholders about the implementation of the visitor levy. The consultation process will run for 12 weeks, providing an opportunity for all interested parties to share their views on the potential impact of the levy and how it should be applied.

The consultation allows BCP Council to advocate for its inclusion in the scheme and highlight the benefits of applying the levy locally. The council is hopeful that the Government will consider the arguments put forward by local authorities and extend the visitor levy to non-Strategic Mayoral Authorities, enabling regions like BCP to benefit from this funding opportunity.

Conclusion: Supporting Sustainable Growth in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

The introduction of a visitor levy offers a much-needed solution for managing the pressures of growing tourism in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. The levy would provide essential funding for destination management and ensure that tourism remains a key driver of the local economy without burdening taxpayers. However, without the ability to apply the levy at the local level, BCP Council risks missing out on an important opportunity to support its tourism infrastructure and services.

Through continued advocacy for devolution of powers and increased control over tourism funding, BCP Council is working to ensure that the region’s tourism industry can continue to thrive sustainably. As the consultation process progresses, it is clear that the visitor levy holds significant potential to support the long-term growth of tourism in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, benefiting both visitors and the local community.

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