Manchester becomes first UK city to introduce tourist tax
A hotel stay will cost an extra £1 a night
Last updated 1st Apr 2023
People staying at a hotel in Manchester will, from today, be charged an additional £1, after the city became the first in the UK to introduce a tourist tax.
The charge is per night, per room and also applies to holiday flats.
The City Visitor Charge is part of a new scheme aimed at raising £3 million a year for tourism.
Organisers say some of the money raised will be used to amplify marketing campaigns, help secure large-scale events and improve the experience for guests, including street cleanliness.
The scheme is being launched in support of the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District which also begins operations today.
Its aim is to deliver better visitor experiences and drive more staying visitors to the city.
"A historic moment"
Annie Brown, General Manager for Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter and also the chair of Manchester Accommodation, said:
"This is a historic moment – the accommodation sector in and around Manchester is growing rapidly, with almost 6,000 new bedrooms incoming over the next few years, and the goal of the Manchester Accommodation BID is simple – we need to increase overnight stays in line with that growth so that hotels and serviced apartments in the city can continue to thrive."
Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Joanne Roney OBE, added: “This innovative initiative will enhance the experience of visitors to Manchester by creating new events and activities for them to enjoy.
"It is anticipated to generate around £3 million of funds a year which will be invested directly into these activities, supporting Manchester’s accommodation sector to protect and create jobs and benefiting the city’s economy as a whole.”