‘Won’t go there then!’ Public outcry as Cambridge visitors could be hit with controversial tourist tax

Authorities say the levy would help achieve “significant investment in the visitor economy in the Greater Cambridge area at a level previously unseen”.

The proposals have stirred controversy among public members, with many taking to social media to voice their disapproval.

Writing on X, one commentator said: “I’ve got the answer. Tourists stop going!”

“Yeah do it to make tourism more difficult,” another user quipped, while a third commentator followed: “Won’t go there then!”

“Haha. Brilliant. I bet the local businesses will be really happy about that,” commented another person.

“Bye-bye Cambridge as a tourist destination,” someone added.

Jemma Little, Economic Development Manager at Cambridge City Council, said the initial discussions with hoteliers were “positive” during a meeting of the authority’s strategy and resources scrutiny committee.

She said: “In order for the ABID to be established, there needs to be a ballot of the hotels within that catchment area.”

Labour councillor Cameron Holloway said: “I think it’s a great initiative and one that would be really positive for the city.”

The board voted unanimously to continue exploring the proposals and move towards a ballot of hoteliers.

According to the website Hotel Chains, Cambridge is home to 32 hotels and 11 hotel chains, including 19 independent businesses.

Airbnb and self-catering accommodation will be exempt from the levy, as would any business where accommodation is a secondary part of their trade.

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This includes university colleges that operate primarily as educational institutions but also as commercial bed-and-breakfasts.

The tourist tax is widely adopted across Europe to help local authorities cope with the high demands of tourism.

Popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Belgium receive a small fee from holidaymakers upon entry into the countries.

It may now be a matter of time before a tourist tax is implemented in the southern region of Andalucia too, as cities struggle to cope with the saturation of tourism.