Lake District Visitor Levy Could Threaten Regional Tourism, Warns Holiday Park Chief
A leading Cumbrian holiday park owner has warned that a proposed Lake District visitor levy could have serious consequences for tourism businesses across the region.
ITN cameras visited Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside this summer to gauge local feeling towards the Government’s proposed tourism tax.
ITN Visits Lake District Holiday Park
TV news reporter Kieran Macfadzean visited Skelwith Fold Caravan Park and told viewers that the proposed levy was meeting strong opposition in the Lake District.
Henry Wild said the future of his family-owned 450-pitch park near the shores of Windermere could be put under threat if a visitor levy is introduced next year. He warned that the move would not only be a self-defeating measure in the short term, but could also have serious implications for the future of tourism-dependent businesses throughout Cumbria.
“The immediate impact of the tax would be to drive visitors to other holiday destinations which are not charging families for every night they spend in the area,” said Henry.
“But more worryingly, it will deprive youngsters of the chance to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities for which Cumbria is so well known.
“If they don’t come as children, they are far less likely to come as adults – and so as time goes on, the viability of the Lake District will simply dissipate,” he added.
Concerns Over the Impact of a Lake District Visitor Levy
ITN said that Henry was joining with Cumbria Tourism and other regional bodies in urging the new prime minister to drop the planned tourism tax. Henry argues that accommodation businesses and their guests already make a substantial financial contribution to the local economy.
“Accommodation providers such as holiday parks and hotels pay substantial business rates to the local authority, and these are reflected in the prices we charge to guests.
“In other words, visitors are already putting their hands in their pockets when they stay the night in Cumbria – so this would effectively be a tax on a tax.
“And, of course, the levy won’t be paid by the millions of people who visit Cumbria each year as day trippers, and who cause the biggest headaches in terms of congesting roads and leaving litter.”
Holiday Park Calls for Talks with Local Leaders
Owned by the Wild family for almost 30 years, Skelwith Fold is set within 130 acres of countryside and offers accommodation including luxury safari tents and motorhome pitches.
Henry is a former National Chairman of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), which represents around 3,000 parks across the UK.
He has now issued an open invitation for local council chiefs to meet him to discuss the potential economic implications of introducing a tourism tax.
FAQs
What is the proposed Lake District visitor levy?
The proposed visitor levy would introduce an additional charge for people staying overnight in the area. Holiday park owner Henry Wild is among those raising concerns about its potential impact on visitors and tourism businesses.
Why are Lake District tourism businesses concerned about a visitor levy?
Henry Wild argues that additional charges could encourage families to choose destinations where they do not have to pay a visitor levy, potentially reducing visitor numbers and spending within Cumbria.
Would day visitors pay the Lake District visitor levy?
Henry Wild points out that the proposed levy would apply to overnight visitors rather than the millions of day trippers who also visit Cumbria each year.
Could a visitor levy affect Lake District holiday parks?
Henry believes the additional cost could discourage some families from staying in the Lake District, potentially affecting holiday parks and other businesses which depend on visitor spending.
Where is Skelwith Fold Caravan Park?
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park is located in Ambleside near the shores of Windermere. The 130-acre family-owned park offers 450 pitches and accommodation including luxury safari tents and motorhome pitches.