Holiday Parks Warn Tourism Levy Would Add Extra Costs for Families

Holiday parks across the UK have warned that proposals to introduce a tourism levy in England would effectively amount to a holiday tax on British families. The Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) says the proposed charge would place additional financial strain on households already struggling with the cost of living.

HARPA raises concerns over impact on family budgets

Debbie Walker, director general of HARPA, said the levy would disproportionately affect families who are already carefully budgeting for their annual break.

“This so-called tourism levy is, in reality, a holiday tax on British families, hitting both adults and children. For many families trying to cope with the cost of living crisis, a UK holiday is one of the few chances they have all year to switch off and spend time together.

Holiday parks and campsites offer some of the most affordable holidays in the UK – and this tax risks pricing people out of breaks at a time when money is tight.”

Holiday parks play a vital role in rural and coastal communities, Debbie said, acting as economic anchors that support local jobs and sustain nearby shops, pubs and visitor attractions. She warned that a holiday tax could deter visitors, leading to fewer holidaymakers and reduced spending in local economies.

Additional £100 or more on a family break

“While we fully recognise the financial pressures facing local authorities, a holiday tax adding around £100 to a typical family two-week break is not the right solution.

“This is especially true when you take in to account that VAT on tourism accommodation in the UK is already double that of France, Spain and Italy.

The sector says it recognises the financial challenges faced by local authorities but believes that introducing new charges could undermine efforts to support sustainable tourism and encourage people to holiday within the UK.

“If we want people to choose UK holidays, taxing them for doing so sends exactly the wrong message,” Debbie Walker said.

HARPA has highlighted that if a levy of £2 per person per night were introduced, a family of five staying for two weeks on a holiday park or campsite during the Easter holidays would face an additional £140 in charges.

Highlights

• Holiday parks describe tourism levy as a holiday tax on families
• Warning that added costs could deter visitors and reduce local spending
• Rural and coastal communities could be affected by fewer holidaymakers
• Sector calls for alternative solutions to support local authority finances

FAQs

What is the proposed tourism levy?

The proposed tourism levy is a charge that could be applied per person per night on overnight accommodation in England.

Why are holiday parks opposing the levy?

Holiday parks say it would increase the cost of UK breaks for families and could deter people from holidaying domestically.

How much could a family pay under the levy?

At £2 per person per night, a family of five staying for two weeks could pay an additional £140.

Who represents holiday parks in this debate?

The Holiday and Residential Parks Association represents around 3,000 holiday and residential parks across the UK.

How could a tourism levy affect local communities?

Fewer visitors could mean reduced spending in shops, pubs, attractions and other businesses that rely on tourism income.