07/09/2026
TOURISM BUSINESSES SAY NO TO VISITOR TAX
While plans for a possible tourist tax in Whitby and across North Yorkshire continue to move forward, it appears many of the people actually working in the tourism industry aren't particularly keen on the idea.
Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Council asked tourism businesses and organisations what they thought about introducing a visitor levy on overnight stays. The survey was carried out by Visit North Yorkshire, which is part of North Yorkshire Council, and received 277 usable responses from across the county.
Of the 270 businesses and organisations which gave a clear opinion, 71% opposed the tax, just 18% supported it and 11% were neutral.
And this wasn't simply a case of businesses being slightly unsure about it. Around half of everybody who answered the question selected “strongly oppose”, accounting for roughly 70% of all those who were against the proposal.
The biggest concern was pretty straightforward. Businesses fear that putting another charge onto a holiday could persuade some people to stay fewer nights, spend less, or simply choose somewhere else which doesn't have the tax. Particular concern was raised about families and visitors already holidaying on tighter budgets.
There was also concern about who would actually have to collect the money. Small hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, caravan parks and holiday cottage operators could be left with additional work changing booking systems, processing the levy, keeping records and eventually handing the money over.
Some businesses also questioned why accommodation providers should effectively become the tax collectors when tourism involves far more than somewhere to sleep. Day visitors could use Whitby's roads, car parks, toilets, beaches and other facilities without paying the overnight levy at all.
North Yorkshire Council's subsequent response to Government said there were significant concerns about administration, falling bookings and North Yorkshire becoming less competitive. It also said opposition was particularly strong among accommodation providers in rural North Yorkshire, where visitors are thought to be more sensitive to price increases.
Those who responded were not just hotel owners. They included accommodation providers, attractions, food and drink businesses, tourism retailers, event organisers, activity providers and community organisations, with responses coming from the coast, national parks, market towns and rural areas.
There is one important qualification. This wasn't a poll of Whitby residents or Whitby visitors, and it wasn't a scientific poll of every tourism business in North Yorkshire. Businesses chose whether to respond, and there is no separate published figure showing exactly what percentage of Whitby businesses oppose the proposal.
But 277 responses is still a substantial response from the people working in the industry — and 71% against, with around half strongly opposed, is hardly a ringing endorsement.
If a tourist tax eventually comes to Whitby, perhaps one of the most important questions will be whether the extra money it raises outweighs any money Whitby businesses might lose if even a small number of visitors decide to stay somewhere else.
