Understand
New Forest tourist tax: How a proposed visitor levy could work for holidaymakers and businesses
Overview
Under new government plans, holidaymakers in the New Forest could face an optional tourist tax on overnight accommodation. The proposed levy would be charged as a percentage of overnight stays across hotels, B&Bs, and short-term lets, though local businesses and MPs have expressed strong opposition due to cost of living concerns, while conservationists argue it could help protect the national park if funds are reinvested locally.
Key points
- The government plans to introduce legislation allowing optional local tourist taxes, charged as a percentage of overnight stays excluding meals.
- The levy would apply to hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, and short-term lets like Airbnb, while day visitors would be exempt.
- In the New Forest, decisions would rest with the Hampshire and the Solent authority following its mayoral election.
- Rules dictate that any levy must apply at a single rate across the entire authority area, including Southampton and Portsmouth, without seasonal variations.
- Holiday park operator Shorefield Holidays and MP Sir Desmond Swayne have strongly opposed the tax, warning it could deter tourists.
- Conservation groups like the New Forest Association suggest that a levy could help fund park management and rangers if money is ploughed back into the area.