Liverpool Slaps £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ on Visitors — What It Means for Your Next Trip!
Liverpool Slaps £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ on Visitors – Starting June 2025, Liverpool will introduce a £2 “tourist tax” for overnight visitors — officially called the City Visitor Charge. If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant city known for its Beatles history, football passion, and waterfront charm, this small fee could impact your travel budget. Here’s everything you need to know about this new policy and how it might affect your next stay.
Liverpool Slaps £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ on Visitors
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Levy | City Visitor Charge |
| Amount | £2 per night |
| Effective From | June 2025 |
| Who Will Pay | All overnight visitors (domestic and international) |
| How It’s Collected | Added to your hotel or serviced apartment bill |
| Use of Funds | Marketing, infrastructure improvements, tourism promotion |
| Expected Revenue | £9.2 million over two years |
| Official Link | Liverpool Accommodation BID Official Page |
The Liverpool £2 tourist tax starting from June 2025 is a small but important change for travelers. While it adds a minor extra cost to your trip, it promises better facilities, improved public areas, and richer experiences for all visitors. By contributing to Liverpool’s growing reputation as a top European destination, your £2 will go a long way in ensuring your trip is even more memorable.
So, as you plan your Beatles tour, football pilgrimage, or a romantic waterfront escape — just factor in a few extra pounds, and enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer with even more excitement!
What Is Liverpool’s £2 Tourist Tax?
The City Visitor Charge is a £2 nightly fee for anyone staying in a Liverpool hotel, serviced apartment, or similar accommodation. It doesn’t matter if you’re a UK citizen or an international traveler — if you’re spending the night, the tax applies.
The main goal of this charge is to raise funds to enhance Liverpool’s appeal for tourists by improving public spaces, marketing the city globally, and hosting large-scale events. The funds will be managed by the Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID).
Why Is Liverpool Introducing a Tourist Tax Now?
There’s a growing trend across major cities to introduce tourist levies. Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and even Manchester (which started a £1 nightly charge in 2023) have seen success in boosting tourism funding without heavily burdening visitors.
Liverpool’s new fee aims to:
- Support and grow the tourism economy
- Improve public areas like parks, streets, and waterfronts
- Market Liverpool internationally to attract new visitors
- Host world-class events like concerts, exhibitions, and sports tournaments
Fact: Tourism adds more than £5 billion a year to Liverpool’s economy and supports around 57,000 jobs.
How Will the £2 Tourist Tax Be Collected?
Simple and straightforward: the £2 will automatically be added to your bill when you stay overnight at any participating hotel, hostel, B&B, or serviced apartment.
- At check-in or check-out, you’ll see the City Visitor Charge clearly listed.
- It applies per room, per night, not per person.
For example: Staying 3 nights at a Liverpool hotel will add £6 total to your accommodation cost.
Where Will the Money Go?
According to the Accommodation BID, the estimated £9.2 million expected from the levy over two years will be invested mainly into:
- City marketing and promotion (online, TV ads, events)
- Tourism infrastructure upgrades (signage, cleanliness, accessibility improvements)
- Major event support (helping Liverpool host international conferences, sports events, festivals)
Around 73% of the funds will be directly reinvested into projects that benefit visitors and locals alike.
How Will This Benefit Tourists?
Visitors can expect:
- Better-maintained tourist spots like the Royal Albert Dock and museums
- Enhanced transportation options around the city
- More festivals and concerts attracting global attention
- Exclusive tourist deals and promotions funded through tourism marketing
Ultimately, the city wants to deliver a world-class visitor experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Public and Industry Reaction
The tourist tax has drawn mixed reactions:
Supporters argue that £2 is a tiny amount that will help make Liverpool even more attractive, bringing in more tourists, better events, and cleaner public spaces.
Critics, however, warn that any extra cost, even small, could deter budget-conscious travelers, especially domestic tourists from other UK cities.
Worth noting: 59% of Liverpool’s accommodation providers voted in favor of the new tax after a city-wide ballot.
Other Cities with Similar Tourist Taxes
Liverpool is not alone. Many cities around the world have successfully introduced visitor charges, including:
- Manchester: £1 nightly charge since 2023, generated £2.8 million in its first year.
- Edinburgh: 5% accommodation levy starting from July 2025.
- Venice: A daily entry fee for day-trippers.
- Barcelona: Added a daily tourist tax on top of accommodation costs.
In all cases, cities have reported positive results when funds were transparently used for tourism improvements.
Impact on Your Next Trip to Liverpool
If you’re visiting Liverpool, here’s how you can easily factor in the £2 tourist tax:
- Adjust your budget slightly (around ₹210 per night if traveling from India, or ~$2.50 USD).
- Check your accommodation bill to see the charge breakdown.
- Remember the benefits you get: cleaner parks, better events, more services during your visit.
Tip: Some budget accommodations may offer “tourist tax included” deals — check while booking!
FAQs About Liverpool Slaps £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ on Visitors
Q1. Does the £2 tourist tax apply to Airbnb bookings?
If the Airbnb is registered as a serviced apartment, the tax likely applies. Always confirm with your host.
Q2. Will students and long-term stays be charged?
Yes, as long as the stay is in a hotel-type accommodation. However, student dormitories and private rentals may be exempt.
Q3. Is the tourist tax refundable?
No. Once paid as part of your accommodation bill, it is non-refundable.
Q4. Is there a cap on how much I can be charged?
Currently, there is no maximum cap announced. So a week-long stay would add £14 in tourist tax.
Q5. Are other UK cities planning tourist taxes?
Yes! Besides Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Torbay, and Bath are exploring or implementing similar schemes.
Q6. How will tourists be informed about the tax?
Hotels and service providers must clearly display information about the City Visitor Charge at booking and check-in.
