Bath is moving closer to introducing a tourist tax after a significant government announcement has empowered local leaders with new authority.
Renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, the Roman Baths, and a prestigious World Heritage Site designation, Bath ranks among the United Kingdom’s top heritage tourist destinations. Each year, the city draws around six million visitors, more than half of whom stay overnight. This heavy influx, however, places “significant pressure” on Bath’s infrastructure and public services, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Earlier this year, the council unanimously supported the concept of implementing a tourism levy—but lacked the legal power to enforce it. That barrier may soon be lifted. On Tuesday, November 25, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced that metro mayors will gain the authority to impose a charge on overnight stays “if it’s right for their area.” This move aims to help regions reinvest in vital transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy.
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Kevin Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council and a Liberal Democrat, welcomed the announcement: “We are preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors over the next three weeks for our world-famous Christmas Market, which significantly boosts our regional economy but also strains our resources. I support a levy we have long advocated for because it will help make tourism sustainable and beneficial for everyone.”
The Bath Christmas Market alone attracted an estimated 444,000 visitors last year, generating £60.4 million in turnover and supporting over 500 local jobs. Despite its economic benefits, the event often causes Bath’s infrastructure to “creak” under pressure. This year’s Christmas Market opens on November 27.
Guy emphasized the need to balance tourism with community well-being: “Our goal is to maintain the quality of the visitor experience while protecting our communities. This levy gives councils the tools to manage tourism in ways that address local needs and priorities.”
He added, “Bath plays a crucial role in the national visitor economy. A fairer system that recognizes both the costs and benefits of tourism will allow us to reinvest directly into the services and infrastructure that make great visits possible.”
The council confirmed that any tourism tax would be developed collaboratively with the hospitality sector, which has been financially challenged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenues from the tax would be reinvested in marketing initiatives, sustainable growth of the visitor economy, preservation of heritage assets, enhancements to transport and public spaces, and upgrading infrastructure impacted by tourism.
The recent policy announcement—part of a series of measures introduced ahead of the upcoming government budget—states that metro mayors will hold the power to decide on overnight visitor levies. Helen Godwin, the Labour West of England Metro Mayor, expressed optimism about the new opportunities, saying: “Our region’s residents and visitors alike value the uniqueness of our people, culture, and natural environment. Tourism contributes a record £2.7 billion to the West’s economy and is central to our Growth Strategy in the coming decade. These new powers show confidence in our ability to lead and shape our future.”
Godwin continued, “An overnight visitor levy, similar to those paid by people visiting other destinations, could provide vital support to tourism businesses and workers—including improving transport options.”
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed commented on the policy’s intent: “Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions. We’re giving our mayors powers to harness this and put more money into local priorities, so they can keep driving growth and investing in these communities for years to come.”