A new proposal suggests introducing a £1-per-night tourist tax for visitors to York and North Yorkshire. The idea comes from the Visitor Levy Policy Report, commissioned by David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and published on Monday. The report estimates that a flat fee could generate between £26 million and £52 million annually. This money would be reinvested into the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors, which have seen significant growth in recent years. In 2024 alone, the area welcomed 7.8 million overnight visitors, highlighting the economic impact of tourism in the region. The proposed tax would be collected through a digital platform, making it easier to manage and track. Certain low-cost accommodations, such as campsites, could be exempt from the levy. The report cites examples from cities like Edinburgh, Paris, and Barcelona, where similar fees have been introduced without significantly deterring visitors. These examples suggest that a modest charge may not have a major negative impact on tourism, while still providing a source of funding for local communities. David Skaith emphasized that York and North Yorkshire’s appeal to millions of visitors each year makes a visitor levy a potentially transformative tool for the region. However, he also acknowledged the strain that high visitor numbers can place on local infrastructure and public services. He stressed the importance of engaging with local businesses and communities to ensure the levy supports both residents and the tourism industry. Skaith is committed to continuing discussions as the policy details are developed. The legal framework allowing English mayors to implement visitor levies is currently moving through Parliament. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is now in the House of Lords, and if passed, the earliest the tax could be introduced is 2027 or 2028. Professor Brendan Paddison of York Business School noted that the report is not advocating for or against the levy but instead provides evidence to help the mayor, businesses, and communities make informed decisions about its potential impact on the region.