London Visitors Could Soon Pay a New Tourism Tax
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If you’re thinking about traveling to London, now could be a good time in terms of what it’ll cost you — given the favorable exchange rates. However, that might not be the case for long, as London could impose a new tourism tax.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, endorsed the move by the London Finance Commission, which would give the government more power over taxes. Local authorities could decide if they want to impose the tax, which would be used toward infrastructure and environmental improvements in the city. The increased tax would fall on tourists, who could see up to a 5% increase on their hotel stays.
The up to 5% tax wouldn’t be anything new. Other tourism taxes, such as the one in Berlin, charge tourists an extra 5% on their bill as well. Opponents of the bill believe that the extra fee will discourage tourists from visiting the city, especially in light of Brexit.
We won’t know for a while if the tax is actually implemented, but with Khan’s support, that’s a major obstacle crossed. If approved, the tax would still be a long way off. Plus, the up to 5% tax probably wouldn’t be a deal breaker in the eyes of many tourists — especially since it’s nothing new in other parts of Europe.
Would a London tax discourage you from visiting?
H/T: Independent
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