London is preparing to add a new cost to overnight stays, as the UK government moves ahead with plans that could allow the capital to introduce a tourist levy on hotels and other accommodation. The proposed charge would apply to both international and domestic visitors, adding another line to the cost of a stay in one of Europe’s most visited cities.
The levy is part of a wider legal framework that would give local authorities in England the power to raise money from overnight tourism. For London, the proposed charge could be set as a percentage of accommodation costs or as a flat fee, with the final amount still to be decided. The government has indicated that the levy would be designed to support local investment, including transport, regeneration, and cultural infrastructure.
How It Will Work
Under the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy Bill, mayors, and local authorities would have greater flexibility in deciding whether and how to introduce the charge. London is expected to be among the places able to make use of the new powers, although the exact rate and structure have not yet been confirmed.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has said the levy would be capped at 5 per cent per night. This means the additional cost would vary depending on the price of the accommodation. A traveller staying at a more expensive hotel would therefore pay more than someone booking a budget room if the levy is ultimately calculated as a percentage of the room rate.
The proposed legislation is deliberately broad in terms of the accommodation it covers. Hotels, guesthouses, bed, and breakfasts and hostels could all fall within its scope. The rules would also extend to campsites, self-catering properties, short-term lets and university or religious accommodation when these are offered commercially.
What Visitors Pay
The new charge would not be limited to overseas tourists. Domestic travellers staying overnight in London could also be liable, making it a city-wide visitor levy rather than a fee aimed specifically at international tourism.
Importantly, the final charge is not yet in place. The Overnight Visitor Levy Bill still needs to be presented to Parliament, after which the framework would have to come into effect before local authorities could introduce their own schemes. London would then have to determine the details of its levy, including how it is collected and which stays, if any, are exempt.
The proposed system could also allow different areas to take different approaches. Mayors would have the flexibility to apply a levy selectively across local authority areas or introduce exemptions. In some circumstances, areas could choose not to impose the charge at all, provided the required two-thirds majority supports that decision.
Why London Wants It
For visitors, the immediate question is what the levy will mean for the cost of a London holiday. While the final figure remains unknown, the proposed 5 per cent ceiling gives travellers an indication of the maximum percentage-based charge being discussed.
The reasoning behind the scheme is broader than simply raising money from tourists. Funds generated through overnight stays are expected to support investment in the places visitors use, from public transport and urban regeneration to cultural assets. London, which receives millions of visitors each year, already faces significant pressure on its infrastructure and public spaces.
For travellers planning a London trip, there is therefore no immediate new payment to add to a hotel booking. The proposed framework still has to pass through the legislative process, and London will need to decide whether and how it uses the powers. Once the details are finalised, however, an overnight stay in the capital could come with a new addition to the bill.
FAQs
1. Will London introduce a tourist tax?
London could introduce a tourist levy under proposed UK legislation, but the charge is not yet in effect.
2. How much could London’s tourist tax cost?
The levy could be capped at 5 per cent of accommodation costs, although the final rate is yet to be decided.
3. Who would have to pay the London tourist tax?
Both international and domestic visitors staying overnight could be liable.
4. Which accommodation could be covered?
Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs, campsites, short-term lets and commercially let university or religious accommodation could be covered.
5. When will London’s tourist tax start?
There is no confirmed start date yet. The proposed Overnight Visitor Levy Bill still needs to go through Parliament before the framework can take effect.
