uk tourism tax

The pros and cons of a tourist tax

Visitor levies can boost tourism but a lack of transparency troubles critics

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1. Pro: pays for costs of tourism

2. con: consumer spending squeeze, 3. pro: avoids overtourism, 4. con: discourages visitors, 5. pro: supports investment, 6. con: lack of transparency.

Visitors to Wales could soon be paying more for an overnight stay amid plans to introduce a tourism tax in the country.

If the plans are confirmed Wales would follow in the footsteps of Manchester , which has introduced a tourist tax for people making overnight stays in the city and comes into operation tomorrow, said the BBC .

Many destinations around the world have tourism taxes, noted VisaGuide , including Barcelona, Venice, Thailand and Slovenia. It has proven a controversial topic though, with disagreement over whether it boosts the tourism industry or threatens its very survival.

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Supporters say a tourism tax can lead to the increasingly elusive goal of a well-managed, sustainable, and lucrative tourism industry, with the costs of tourism being picked up in a well-run way.

Recommending that the Welsh government should introduce a tourist tax, the Bevan Foundation argued that such a move would “help to reflect the true costs of tourism” such as “clearing up litter, providing car parking, keeping beaches clean” and “building public footpaths”.

Some feel that adding yet more pounds to the cost of a holiday is dangerous during a cost-of-living crisis. The tourism sector in Edinburgh is, for the most part, “vocally opposed to the introduction of a tourist tax, particularly in the current economic climate”, claimed Holyrood magazine.

Marc Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance told the outlet that 60% of visitors are domestic, who “may at present be reaching a tipping point due to a consumer spending squeeze”.

By increasing the cost to visit certain areas, a tourist tax can help reduce overcrowding and make the experience more enjoyable. This can help avoid “overtourism” – where locals or visitors feel that there are too many tourists, leading to deterioration in quality of life.

For instance, Bhutan has “only ever been reluctantly open to tourists”, said The Times , but now the mountain kingdom is “cranking its tourism tax to an eye-watering level” by charging up to $200 (£161) a day in tax.

The flipside is that by increasing the cost of visiting a particular location, tourism taxes could discourage some tourists from choosing destinations that actively want more visitors.

Some “deem this sort of levy unnecessary or even detrimental to the sector – driving away visitors or limiting their spending during their visit”, said accountants Knights Lowe . However, in a poll, hoteliers in Manchester voted 80% in favour of the tourist tax, said EuroNews , suggesting that fears it could damage tourism are not widespread.

A tourist tax can generate additional cash for the local government and tourism industry, which can be used to fund infrastructure and services that benefit tourists and residents alike.

“From signage to facilities to the myriad of public realm improvements that make places attractive”, tourism infrastructure comes “at public cost”, said the Bevan Foundation, and “while the public do benefit, so too does the tourism industry”, so both parties should chip in.

Some suspect that tourism taxes will simply disappear into wider local authority budgets. Perhaps the “largest challenges” of a tourism tax is “ensuring transparency around how it’s used”, said Rosie Spinks on Skift .

If the money “just goes into a general pot because local finances are strained”, said Tim Fairhurst, secretary general of the non-profit European Tourism Association, and if it’s just seen as “a classic ‘tourists don’t vote, you can get easy money off them’”, then that is “not a smart way to go”.

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UK 'tourist tax' has deterred two million visitors, report finds

Britain's economy has taken £10 billion hit after decision to scrap tax-free shopping, economic body finds.

Gucci has previously called on the government to abandon plans to end tax-free shopping in the UK. Getty Images

A new report has found that the UK has taken a £10.7 billion ($13.7 billion) hit to its economy after it removed tax-free shopping for foreign tourists.

Analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research also found the so-called tourist tax has hit GDP and resulted in the loss of two million visitors.

Big-spending visitors to Britain were previously able to claim 20 per cent back off their luxury purchases, a perk that attracted millions to London and elsewhere in the country.

However, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt scrapped the tax relief in an attempt to plug the gap in Britain's finances after successive economic crises. He said the move would provide revenue worth an estimated £2 billion for the UK Treasury.

However, critics say the decision has deterred wealthy tourists who have opted to go to other destinations for their shopping, such as Paris and Milan, instead of spending their cash in West End hotels, restaurants and theatres .

“We estimate that a fully utilised tax-free shopping scheme could have increased GDP by £9.1 billion in 2022,” the report says. “Applying this figure to 2023's projections, a tax-free shopping scheme could have boosted the size of the economy by £10.7 billion.”

The CEBR calculations estimated that spending eligible for tax-free shopping stood at £6.6 billion last year, rising to £7.7 billion this year.

Assuming all visitors took up the VAT rebates, around £1.1 billion of this would have been returned to customers in 2022, or £1.3 billion in 2023.

It estimated that the cost reduction would have increased visitor numbers by 1.7 million last year, rising to two million in 2023.

“This highlights that the additional activity stimulated by tax-free shopping, and the associated increase to tax revenues from such activity, significantly outweigh the corresponding loss of revenue from sales tax specifically, even in scenarios with lower take-up rates”, the report says.

Analysis by the tax-free shopping data company Global Blue previously showed that tourists visiting Britain from GCC states spent 35 per cent less than they did before the Covid pandemic, but spent double in France and 66 per cent more in Italy.

However, a boom in high-end tourism from American visitors was enough to offset this decline in Britain.

“Tourists engage in other activity beyond their retail purchases, bringing a range of economic benefits that will be felt not only on the high street, but right through the retail supply chain,” said Sam Miley, managing economist at CEBR.

“By making shopping purchases cheaper, tax-free shopping schemes act as an incentive for tourists to visit the UK over other countries.”

Calls have been growing for the current Conservative government to perform an about-turn on the “tourist tax” in a bid to reintroduce growth into the struggling UK economy, which has narrowly avoided a recession in recent months.

In April, Prime Minster Rishi Sunak was challenged by hundreds of businesspeople across Britain over the “spectacular own goal” of a post-Brexit VAT change .

In an open letter, business leaders including Burberry chief executive Gerry Murphy told the Prime Minister his move to scrap the VAT refund for tourists had made Britain the “least attractive” shopping destination in Europe, with every country remaining in the EU still offering sales tax rebates to foreign shoppers.

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This English City Just Became the First in the U.K. to Implement a Tourist Tax

Travelers will now be charged an additional fee for each night they stay in manchester..

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It’s now slightly more expensive to overnight in Manchester, England.

Photo by Shutterstock

If you plan on visiting England’s third-largest city, your stay just got a bit more expensive.

As of April 1, 2023, visitors to Manchester, England, must now pay a City Visitor Charge. It’s the first city in the United Kingdom to levy a tourist tax on visitors.

The new fee will see an extra £1 (roughly US$1.23) added to hotel and accommodation rentals within the city center per night, per room, and will be billed to guests at the end of their stay. The local government will then collect the money directly from the hotels.

According to the Manchester Evening News , the funds will be used to “help boost the tourist economy through the running of large events, conferences, festivals, marketing campaigns and also towards street cleanliness in the city.”

The city estimates the funds will earn the Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID), the new organization formed to manage the money, roughly £3 million each year. Local hoteliers voted on the fee in a 2022 referendum.

While Manchester is the first city in the United Kingdom to roll out such a program, tourist taxes are not a new concept elsewhere in the world. In the United States, cities like New York and Atlanta charge hotel unit fees ($1.50 and $5 per night, respectively), and San Francisco hotels charge a Transient Occupancy Tax (which amounts to an additional 12 percent of the nightly rate of the stay). Several larger cities in Europe charge a nightly rate for visitors, either a flat fee (Amsterdam collects €3 per night and Venice charges €6 nightly) or a rate that is commensurate with the rating of the hotel or guesthouse (as is the case in Barcelona and Rome). In Rome, for example, charges range from €3 per night for more modest accommodations to €7 for five-star properties.

Typically, these government-collected fees are used for anything from establishing green initiatives to making the city more livable for locals to building up tourism infrastructure.

Other communities in the United Kingdom are also considering adding their own tourist taxes. Edinburgh is waiting on approval from the Scottish parliament to enact a £2-a-night tax, and the Welsh government is currently weighing what an appropriate sum might be (there’s no word yet on when exactly it will have a decision).

What is the tourist VAT tax and why is Duty Free allowance being cut?

Business leaders in London and across the UK are up in arms about a new “ tourism tax ” that they say will be a disaster for the West End and other popular destinations around Britain.

They have even warned it could do more damage to stores that rely on tourists than covid and Brexit combined.

What is the new tourist VAT tax?

For many years tourists from outside the European Union have been able to claim a refund of the VAT they have paid on shopping carried while in the UK. This means they can get back 20 per cent of what they paid in the shop as they leave the country if they fill in a paper form at the airport.

Retailers had hoped this perk would be extended to visitors from the EU after Brexit. Instead the Government announced in September it will be axed altogether, effectively making British shops a fifth more expensive overnight for visitors from countries such as China, America or Kuwait.

What has Rishi Sunak said about the Duty Free allowance

The Chancellor has not addressed the issue directly yet despite a huge outcry from the retail, tourism and aviation industries. However a consultaton document from the Treasury in September said it was “a costly system to maintain with unclear economic benefits and is burdensome for exit points...it does not benefit the whole of GB equally, with purchases largely centred in London.”

It estimates that the perk - officially known as the VAT Retail Export Scheme - costs the Exchequer around £500 million a year, increasing to £1.4 billion if it was extended to EU shoppers.

When do the changes come in?

The scheme will end on the stroke of midnight on the 1 January

How will the VAT tax affect tourism in the UK?

Estimates by business bodies such as the Association of International Retail suggest that more than one million high psending tourists will be deterred from visiting Britain, or at the very least, reduce the number and duration of their visits.

 The knock on effect could lead to 40,000 job losses and £1 billion less investment in Britain. They also argue that the Treasury will end up collecting less tax overall because of lower spending in hotels and restaurants.

Now northern business chiefs warn: tourist tax will hit us hard too

Shops collapsing, jobs axed: It’s time to halt mad tourism tax, Rishi

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Tourism tax rates in United Kingdom

Recent News

28 May 2024 | Chester has proposed implementing a visitor charge on overnight visitors from 1 January 2025. The charge would be £2 per room, per night (excluding VAT) and currently 27 hotels would be affected. This is subject to approval by businesses part of the Accommodation BID. Vote is planned for June/July and result to be announced on 12 July. Further information including the list of hotels within scope (on page 22 in the business plan).

28 March 2024 | Cambridge has proposed implementing a visitor charge on overnight visitors from 1 January 2025. The charge would be £1.67 per room, per night (excluding VAT) for 2025/2026 and £2.50 per room, per night (excluding VAT) for 2027,2028,2029. Approximately 35 hotels would be affected. This is subject to approval by businesses part of the Accommodation BID. Vote is planned for June/July. Further information on proposal .

Manchester is the only destination in the UK that currently levies a tourist tax on visitors directly. However, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole will introduce on 1 July 2024 and Cambridge and Chester have proposed introducing from 1 January 2025 (information in Recent News section above).

The national Governments of Scotland and Wales have proposed to pass legislation to allow local authorities the discretion to implement should they choose to. Subject to Parliamentary approval, it is currently expected that the earliest a visitor would pay the levy in Scotland is early 2026 and in Wales 2027.

Manchester – £1 per room, per night (excluding VAT) applicable to visitors staying in accommodation establishments with a ratable value of at least £75,000. Known as the ‘City Visitor Charge’ 74 properties (mainly within the A57 (M) ring road) currently meet this criteria (list of properties here ). Further information on the levy can be found  here .

Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (from 1 July 2024) – £2 per room, per night (excluding VAT) applicable to visitors staying in accommodation establishments with a ratable value of at least £40,000. Further information on the levy can be found  here .

The national government has proposed to pass legislation to allow local authorities the discretion to implement a visitor levy should they choose to. It is intended for the visitor levy to be applicable to visitors staying in commercially-let accommodation subject to approval by the Welsh Parliament (Senedd).

Consultation ended in December 2022 and a Bill is currently expected to be introduced to the Senedd in autumn 2024. Due to legislative process, the Welsh Government estimate that (if the Bill is passed) the earliest a visitor levy will be in place in any authority in Wales is in 2027. Further information can be found here .

The Visitor Levy Bill , originally intended to be introduced in 2020 following consultation , was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in May 2023. The Bill proposes to allow local authorities the discretion to implement a visitor levy should they choose to.

The Bill (as introduced) intends for the levy to be applicable to visitors staying in ‘overnight accommodation’ and the rate calculated as a percentage of the cost of stay. Further information can be found in Part 2 of the Visitor Levy Bill (May 2023) . Please note the Bill is subject to Parliamentary approval and the rate calculation is not yet confirmed, as well as whether any exemptions may apply. Also, in October 2023 the Scottish Government announced their intention for a ‘cruise ship levy’ which may be added to the Visitor Levy Bill at a later date.

The Bill is currently being examined by the Local Government, Housing and Parliament committee . On 31 October 2023, ETOA provided evidence to this committee on our research of tourism taxes in Europe. Should the various stages be completed as expected, the Bill will be voted on late spring 2024 and if the Bill passes, Royal assent would follow a month later. Thereafter, local authorities electing to implement the levy must consult locally. Once that consultation ends, there would be 18 months prior to full implementation. Therefore, it is currently expected that the earliest a visitor would pay the levy would be in early 2026 .

The surrounding debate remains complex. Will wild camping (legal in Scotland) see a surge as organised campsites are to be subject to the levy? Should access be charged to manage volume on the North Coast 500  where traffic conditions can be highly problematic? We are in contact with the Government Visitor Levy team and Parliamentary officials and will publish updates on this page.

While best efforts have been made to verify the accuracy of the information, the information displayed should be used as guidance only.

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These UK towns have just introduced a tourist tax

By Emma Clarke

In a bid to clamp down on overtourism and protect places of interest, popular holiday destinations across Europe and beyond have introduced  “tourist taxes ”. In recent years, this has come into play in destinations such as Venice , Lake Como , Brussels and parts of Japan  – and now, UK hotspots are following suit.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole would be introducing a similar levy for tourists and visitors, becoming the first destinations in the UK to do so. The new fee, which will come into place from Monday, 1 July 2024, will be priced at £2 per room per night and will apply to those staying in larger hotels in the area.

In addition to preserving the local community and its tourism services, the funds will be used to sustain and develop events, which should, in turn, hopefully attract more visitors.

According to Bournemouth University, the Dorset city attracts 3.5 million people in the summer months alone. Meanwhile, a 2022 report published by the BCP council stated that in April of that year, Bournemouth’s high street received a footfall of 4.6 million, Christchurch welcomed 1.3 million and Poole high street had over 2.6 million visitors – and all figures were higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Speaking of the changes, the region’s Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) said that the new measures would help “safeguard the local economy” and would bring in an estimated £12 million over the next five years.

Rosie Radwell, Marsham Court Hotel managing director and chair of the shadow ABID board, added: “The additional funds raised will have a huge impact on the future of tourism in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. On behalf of the volunteer shadow ABID board, I would like to thank our fellow accommodation providers for recognising the power of partnership working and the necessity to act now.

“We are excited about the future and have already started to plan projects and events to enhance tourism in the area”. But what do locals make of the new changes?

Sarah Stella Edwards, a 34-year-old PR account manager from Poole, says the charges are more than fair. “It’s only £2 per night, and that’s only in larger hotels in the area,” she told Condé Nast Traveller . “The millions generated by visitors will put some much-needed funding back into keeping these areas in better condition.”

She added: “I’ve paid tourist tax when visiting places in Europe and don’t see a problem with it. We all want to enjoy the areas we visit, so if a small fee from each person goes towards upkeep of the area, I’m all for it.”

When it comes to other UK destinations adopting similar methods, Sarah is an advocate. “With councils all over the country having to make quite drastic cuts to local funding, I think we’re going to see more and more of this type of tax,” she said. “It’ll help maintain certain areas that need it, particularly in tourist areas which always come under strain in summer months.”

Indeed, while it is not applicable to the whole area and is just an admission fee for the attraction itself, Brighton Pier is now charging visitors £1 to walk along the historic landmark. Although local residents and children under two will avoid these charges, the millions of guests that flock to the East Sussex seaside resort each year will be expected to pay.

Helen Campbell, a 46-year-old author and coach from the nearby town of Worthing, notes how the new charges will impact her and her partner. “Playing on the Dolphin Derby or the 2p machines on Brighton Pier is so much fun, and something my girlfriend and I enjoy. We live nearby but not close enough to benefit from the residents’ card.

“I’m in favour of raising money for the pier, but taxing us every time we want to walk on it feels discouraging. While I can see that the pier needs investment, I suspect the fee might put some visitors off and negatively impact footfall.”

She concludes: “I think we need to increase accessibility and inclusion to attractions and landmarks, but I appreciate it’s challenging to come up with innovative ways to raise money in such tricky times.”

Likewise, 43-year-old local Corinne Card highlights the impact the charges will have on families. “The issue comes when people have a lot of kids – if they’re over two, the amount will soon add up.”

She also says that the whole time the attraction is free, it invites visitors to explore and spend money in other ways that they might not do if there is a charge. “I’m not sure it’ll be as successful as people think,” she explains, “because so many people go for a walk and then end up spending money on the 10p machines, the soft play for kids or even a bag of fish and chips.”

Meanwhile, Brighton-based 24-year-old PR and communications executive Anna Kiff says that the reaction to these types of fees depends on the amount being charged. “In the case of the Brighton Pier, which is something tourists like to check off when they visit, I don’t think £1 is going to be off-putting.

“The pier is a landmark and requires upkeep. It sees heavy footfall all year round, especially in the summer. The boost should also provide an additional income for the pier staff and ensure the attraction stays looking at its best.”

Anna points out that if other Brighton landmarks such as the Pavilion Gardens were to adopt similar charges, this could have a negative impact on locals and visitors.

“It’s a regular spot to sit and eat lunch and is near the Lanes. If this were to become ticketed as part of the Royal Pavilion itself, it would not go down well, as it functions as a community space as well as a tourist attraction.”

At the moment, it is unclear whether other UK spots will roll out tourist taxes, but given how popular they have become around the world, it is likely that more places will introduce similar levies.

But, ultimately, those who love to travel should also understand that in order to preserve these beloved landmarks and spots of beauty, a reasonably priced tax is a small price to pay.

By Annie Makoff

Tourism tax “will cripple businesses in the industry leaving thousands out of work”

A tourism tax is being touted in several regions across the UK, theoretically to bolster the services tourists use. But not everyone is supportive.

The idea of a so-called tourist tax has gathered momentum in recent months, as several UK regions have touted the idea to help generate income for local services and infrastructure. In many cases, money generated from the tax is intended to help restore and maintain the local area and fund public services and attractions.

In other parts though, the tax is being used to actively deter tourism – as was the case for Amsterdam’s tourist levy. In this instance, authorities are currently considering further increasing Amsterdam’s tax to discourage the binge-drinking tourism which has plagued the city for decades. Currently, the tourist levy is 7% plus an additional €3 per person per night as well as €8 per person daytripper tax for cruise ship passengers.  

Closer to home, Manchester became the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax in April, charging visitors £1 per room per night. And Scotland is currently in the throes of introducing a Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill through parliament.

In areas such as the Lake District, introducing a tourist tax would be more about discouraging tourism due to conservation and addressing environmental concerns rather than generating additional income.   

Other UK regions and areas currently considering introducing a tourist tax include:

• North Norfolk
• St Ives, Cornwall
• Bath, Somerset

Tourist taxes are highly controversial. Some hoteliers and hospitality businesses in Wales, for example, fear it could put people off visiting the area, which would dent the local economy. Others believe more regions should introduce the tax, given the additional income it could generate.

We asked accountants who work with hospitality businesses what they think and how a tourist tax in their area could impact clients.

Tourist taxes may be necessary in some areas but will be expensive and complex to administer

Samantha perkin, fmaat, director, zamu and lecturer, cornwall business school.

Tourist areas such as Devon & Cornwall need substantial extra spending on areas like hospitals and roads and public transport to help manage the massive increase in numbers in the summer months.

There are two basic ways to impose a tourism tax:

Flat nightly rate as introduced by Manchester BID (Business Improvement area) which now charges £1 per night per room extra, covering 74 businesses and hopes to raise £3 million a year.

However, a flat rate does not reflect the price being paid – a £1 charge on a £2,000 a night suite is of little consequence, but to a family renting an Air BNB room, the tax is financially a heavier burden.

Percentage extra which adds a percentage extra to the bill. This tax would be shown separately on the bill but is not recoverable like VAT. Edinburgh is considering this at a rate of 4% of accommodation-only charge.

A flat nightly rate is easy to manage in areas like Manchester BID as there are a limited number of businesses involved but if it were imposed in Cornwall, where one in five jobs are supported by tourism sector with an estimated annual income of £2.4 billion, administration and collection would be complicated and expensive.

There are many complex issues to consider, too:

• A room-only booking would be less than B&B booking and could lead to tax avoidance eg, a free room with every £100 breakfast.
• Who would collect the tax? How would it be managed and administered? What about penalties?  If council-led, substantial investment would be needed.
• How would tourist tax be effectively ringfenced to Cornwall’s benefit?

If Cornwall were to implement a tourist tax, visitor numbers would be affected. An extra £40 tax on an average hotel bill may not sound much, but on top of spiralling food and fuel costs, it will mean families will reduce spending elsewhere.

Cornwall is also worried that the price sensitivity felt by everyone in the current crisis, along with recovery from Covid/Brexit and ongoing staffing issues will create another challenge the industry will need to work with.

Verdict : A tourism tax may be necessary in some areas but could be complex and expensive to administer.

Tourism tax “will cripple businesses in the industry leaving thousands out of work”

Laura day-henderson, founder, more than bookkeeping ltd.

The hospitality industry is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat. This, coupled with the cost of living crisis, shortage of workers post Brexit, and increased wages has meant prices for hotels have sky-rocketed despite businesses profits actually dwindling.

Anything that may impact consumers being willing to fork out for a hotel stay – such as the introduction of a tourism tax – will cripple businesses in this industry leaving thousands of people out of work.

More should be done to support the hospitality sector’s continuing recovery post-Covid and post-Brexit rather than dealing them another blow. The sector helps drive the local economy by facilitating guests from other parts of the UK and the wider world to visit and spend money in the local area whilst also being a significant source of employment.

Many hospitality businesses also double up as community spaces providing space to work, conference rooms, a meeting place, local eateries and emergency accommodation and refuge locations. They are a pivotal part of the community, and so need to be protected and supported, not driven into liquidation.

Verdict : Introducing a tourism tax will cripple businesses in the sector, leaving thousands out of work.

A tourist tax could improve the visitor experience in some ways

Lauren harvey, maat, assistant accounts manager, the accountancy partnership.

A tourist tax aims to raise funds to improve the visitor experience, and this could, in theory, have long-term benefits for all local hospitality businesses that rely on attracting tourists.

However, a potential consideration is the fact that accommodation providers will be responsible for collecting the tax, affecting businesses differently. For instance, hotels might have to adjust their pricing to stay competitive, whereas restaurant owners won’t have that consideration. Smaller accommodation providers, such as an Airbnb host, may also find it harder to compete with larger hotel chains.

Also, hospitality and leisure businesses are already under a lot of strain as the high cost of living means they’re likely to see fewer people travelling for pleasure. Adding to this pressure by turning them into tax collectors could see a further impact on their businesses.

The tax is collected from the customer by the business, so it’s important to make sure that this is clearly separated from their income figures. Accountants will need to be extra vigilant when working with clients in affected regions to make sure the tourism tax amounts are accounted for correctly and paid to the right place.

Verdict : Tourism tax could raise funds to help improve visitor experience, but turning hospitality businesses into tax collectors will do little to improve existing strain on the sector and could muddle the books.

A tourist tax would increase administrative burden and ultimately result in revenue reduction

Nicola mason, maat, md, contractor unlimited.

I’m based in Liverpool and tourism is a huge part of the economy here. Sadly, a lot of businesses in the hospitality industry had to shut during Covid and those that have reopened haven’t fully recovered. A tourism tax could damage those left behind catastrophically. Why implement a tax on tourism at all? As a whole, the sector needs to recover in all areas for economies to grow.

Tourism tax would also cause additional administration and a reduction in revenue can never be good for business. Add this to a difficult economy, increased minimum wage, corporation tax and NI and you can see that the pips are starting to get squeezed too tightly.

Verdict : A tourist tax would increase the administrative burden and ultimately result in revenue reduction.

Annie Makoff is a freelance journalist and editor.

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Apr 24, 2024

Tourist tax in 2024: all the destinations you have to pay to enter.

Karin Svensson

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Whether you’re a seasoned globe trotter or planning your first big adventure, understanding tourist tax can save you from unexpected charges along the way.

From sunny beaches to bustling cities, you’ll find tourist tax just about anywhere. But what exactly is this fee, and how much does it cost? Is it something that you need to budget for? We’ve covered everything you need to know in this Trtl Travel blog.

What is tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee that travellers pay when they stay overnight in a country that isn’t their home. However, this isn’t just any fee — it’s put to good use. The money collected is usually spent on maintaining and improving the local area, which can include anything from sprucing up parks, keeping streets clean and making sure that local tourist attractions are kept in top-notch condition. 

Michael Corrigan, CEO at Trtl Travel, explains: “Different places have different tax rules. It could be a small percentage of your hotel bill or a fixed amount per night — but it’s always best to double-check before you book how much you’ll be paying.”

How does tourism tax work?

The way tourism tax works is pretty simple. When you check into a hotel, hostel or even a short-term rental like an Airbnb, you’ll most likely see a small charge on your bill — this will be the tourism tax. It’s often only the equivalent of £1 - £5 in local currency per night, but it can vary from city to city.

The local government sets this tax, and they decide how much to charge based on what they think will help the community most, without being too heavy on travellers' wallets.

Who has to pay tourist tax?

Tourist tax is aimed at visitors from other countries who are using accommodations like hotels, rentals, and beds and breakfasts while staying in a place different from their current residence. 

“Essentially, the idea is pretty straightforward,” explains Michael. “If you’re using local services and enjoying public spaces, tourist tax is a small way of contributing to keeping those amenities in tip-top condition. Whether you’re in town for business or have your dream getaway to this destination, if your accommodation charges it, it’s going to be added to your bill.”

Some destinations might exempt children up to a certain age, but again, it’s best to check with the country and accommodation provider.

Why was tourist tax introduced?

Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments across the world to reduce over-tourism and generate income from large numbers of travellers entering the country. The uplift in cheap flights means that travelling has become much more accessible for people, even if it’s just a quick 2-hour flight to a destination in Europe.

What countries are introducing tourist tax in 2024?

Surprisingly, a handful of popular countries still haven’t imposed a tourist tax, but that’s changing in 2024. 

• Venice, Italy, will begin charging tourist fees in 2024. Day trippers must pay €5 to enter on certain days from April - July between 8:30 AM and 4 PM. You can pay the fee on the Venice Access Fee site. 
• The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a scheme for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays. However, it costs £10 to apply, which is non-refundable. 
• The Indonesian government announced they would impose a tourist tax for travellers visiting Bali from 14 February 2024. This will cost 150,000 rupiah per person, around £7.60 or $9.60 (correct as of April 2024).

The cheapest VS most expensive tourist tax destinations

Let's dive deep into the cheapest and most expensive tourist tax in some of the most popular destinations worldwide (all conversions are correct as of April 2024).

1. Spain - €0.25 - €3.50 (21p - £3.00)

From the stunning streets of Madrid to the idyllic beaches of Majorca, there’s plenty to see and do in Spain. 

Depending on where you’re staying, you could find tax as low as €0.25 (21p) in the off-season on the Balearic Islands to prices as high as €3.25 (£3) per person per night in Barcelona.

2. France - €0.65 - €14.95 (56p - £12.80)

Whether you’re discovering the breathtaking views of the French Riviera or admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Versailles, France has some seriously strong hitters when it comes to destinations. 

However, France also sees quite a price difference depending on where you’re staying and the type of accommodation you book. For campsites of 1 - 2 stars, they average €0.65, around 56p per night per person. You can expect to pay €14.95 for palaces, around £12.80.

3. Croatia - €1 (86p)

The sojourn tax is the tax that must be paid by all foreign and domestic citizens staying in Croatia. Depending on how long, the time of year and where you’re staying, adults can expect to pay around €1 per night, around 86p, and €0.5 for children aged 12 - 18 (43p).

4. Italy - €1 - €7 (86p - £5.99)

Celebrated for their delicious foods, if you’re visiting Italy, you can expect to find everything from pasta, pizza, gelato, focaccia and more. 

But how much is tourist tax in this beautiful country? Well, generally, the rate of tourist tax varies from city to city, but you can expect to pay anywhere between €1 - €7 (86p - £5.99) per day per person. In more popular locations like Rome, rates are €3 - €7 (£2.57 - £5.99), while cities like Milan are slightly cheaper at €2 - €5 (£1.71 - £4.28).

5. Austria - 3.2% of accommodation costs

Famous for its castles, palaces and buildings, Austria boasts some stunning architecture. If you’re planning on visiting the country, you can expect to pay 3.2% of the accommodation cost (after taking off the costs of sales tax, breakfast and 11% of the remaining amount.)

Also known as the Ortstaxe, it’s used to help finance the tourist board. For example, if a hotel charges €100 per room per night — this includes sales taxes but not breakfast — then you can expect that €2.52 of the €100 you spend will go towards the Ortstaxe.

6. Hungary - Budapest - 4% of accommodation costs

Tourist fees in Hungary only apply in Budapest — but luckily, it can be an extremely affordable city to visit!

Travellers can expect to pay 4% of accommodation costs per night per person.

7. Germany - 5% of accommodation price

It can vary from city to city for tourist tax in Germany, but in Berlin, for example, the standard tax is 5% of the accommodation price. 

It’s a good idea to check how much tax you’ll pay when booking.

8. Bulgaria - £1.30

Encompassing Black Sea coastlines in a nation with diverse terrain, there are some beautiful sites to see in Bulgaria. 

As for tourist tax, you can expect to pay below £1.30 per night, depending on the hotel standard you choose.

9. Greece - €1.50 - €10 (£1.28 - £8.56)

Greece is a must-visit destination known for its stunning blue waters and its sunny climate. 

In 2024, Greece introduced a new ‘Climate Crisis Resilience Fee’, replacing the previous tourist tax. Now, travellers can expect to pay anything between €1.50 (£1.28) to €10 (£8.56) per night per person depending on where you’re travelling to and the type of accommodation you’re staying in.  

In the low season of winter (November - March), the fee is capped at €4, around £3.42.

10. Malaysia - MYR10 (£1.67)

Famous not just for its bustling capital, Malaysia also boasts stunning coastal areas that are worth exploring.

Malaysian tourist tax is set at a flat rate of MYR10, around £1.67 per person per night.

11. Czech Republic - CZK 50 (£1.69)

A landlocked country in central Europe, the Czech Republic is famous for its beautiful scenery, rich history and delicious food!

If you’re planning a journey over, you can expect to pay CZK 50 per person each day, which is around £1.69. People under 18 and over 70 are exempt from paying the tax.

12. Portugal - €2 - €14 (£1.71 - £11.99)

There are so many wonderful cities to visit in Portugal, such as the bustling streets of Lisbon or the breathtaking views of Madeira. 

But not every city in Portugal charges tourist tax — you can expect to see them in places like Porto. The fee is between €2 - €14 (£1.71 - £11.99) per person per night, depending on where you stay and the type of accommodation.

13. Belgium - €4 (£3.42)

If you’re heading to Belgium, you’ll find two different types of tourist tax: one for hotels and one for ‘domestic accommodation’ such as bed and breakfasts or campsites. 

As it currently stands, hotels are taxing €4 (around £3.42) and bed and breakfasts €3 (around £2.57) per night.

14. Japan - 1,000 Yen (£5.19)

Known for everything from their onsen hot springs to their beautiful cherry blossoms, there’s so much to explore in Japan. 

Passengers leaving either by ship or plane must pay an international tourist tax of 1,000 yen, around £5.19, upon their departure. This is to help expand the country's tourism and infrastructure.

15. Indonesia - 1,500 Rupiah (£7.60)

Bali is one of Indonesia's most popular holiday destinations, known for its stunning beaches and warm hospitality. 

From 14 February 2024, travellers will have to pay 1,500 Rupiah (around £7.60) upon entering Bali, regardless of the traveller(s) age.

16. New Zealand - $35 (£16.62)

The New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is charged on most international visitors. The IVL ensures that visitors to New Zealand directly contribute to tourism and conservation projects that are part of broad, impactful changes in Aotearoa. 

The price for the levy is $35 or around £16.62.

17. Amsterdam, The Netherlands - 12.5% of the cost of accommodation

Amsterdam is set to hike up their tourist tax to a whopping 12.5% in 2024. The land of tulips and bicycles has said it’s to “ pay for services for locals [...] not to discourage people from visiting the city.”

In total, that means tourists staying overnight will pay an average of €22 a night in tax, rather than €15 on a room that costs €175.

18. Bhutan - 8,254 INR (£79)

In a bid to attract international tourists and recover from declining visitor numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan is reducing its tourist tax price. 

Tourists can now expect to pay 8,254 Indian rupees, around £79. Pre-covid, tourists were expected to pay 16,509 Indian rupees (around £158.48) per night.

How to budget for tourist tax

Budgeting for tourist tax is all about being in the know before you go. It’s pretty easy to stay ahead, but Michael explains some useful tips to make sure you’re not caught out on your trip:

• “ Check ahead — Before you book your stay, do a quick check to see if your destination charges a tourist tax. This will help you know exactly what extra costs you’ll be expected to pay, which means you won’t be caught short.
• Calculate the costs — Once you know the rate — whether it’s a percentage or a flat fee per night — add it up for the total amount of nights you’ll be staying. For example, if the tax is €2 per night and you’re staying a total of 5 nights, that’s an extra €10 you’ll have to find per person. 
• Factor it into your accommodation budget — When planning how much you will be spending on hotels, Airbnb or rentals, add the tourist tax into the estimated cost. This way, you won’t be caught off guard when it’s time to settle the bill!
• Prepare for variations — Keep in mind that some sites might include the tax in the advertised price, while others will add it on when you pay. Checking the fine print on your booking confirmation can usually be a surefire way to tell which approach your accommodation is opting for.”

What happens if you don't pay tourist tax?

While the amount of tourist tax you’ll pay will differ in every city you visit regardless of the country, they’re usually legally enforceable. 

That means the hotel or accommodation simply won’t let you stay there if you don’t pay the tourist tax, as they’ll be liable for this charge to the scheme if you don’t pay — and that’s money out of their pocket.

Does the UK impose a tourist tax?

Currently, the UK doesn’t enforce any kind of tourism tax, either by the government or local councils. 

However, Manchester and Liverpool introduced something known as the ‘Accommodation BID’. This is a payable fee by hotels and serviced apartments with a rateable value of £75,000 or more in Manchester and £45,000 or more in Liverpool. 

Like a typical tourist tax, the BID levy can also be known as the ‘City Visitor Charge’ and participating businesses are encouraged to itemise it on a guest's bill.

Get set with Trtl Travel

No matter where in the world you’re jetting off to, it’s so important that you’re aware of how much tourist tax you’ll be paying — you don’t want to be caught out at the end of the day!

And you’ll want to make sure that you get there in comfort and style with our Trtl Pillow Original , designed to give you complete support and relieve stress on your spine and muscles.

Discover more of what travel has to offer with our blog page .

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What could a tourism tax do for city budgets?

Some cities should introduce a tourism tax to raise revenue, but they need fiscal devolution first

Blog post published on 30 May 2022 by

After over a decade of austerity, local governments have seen their budgets shrink considerably but have very few fiscal tools to improve them. The main tool they have is council tax, and even the scope to increase this is limited by central government. Given this, is introducing a tourist tax a way to close some of the shortfall?

Cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Birmingham, and London , have expressed interest in implementing tourism taxes in recent years. In early 2020, Birmingham proposed taxing visitors to the 2022 Commonwealth Games with the option to make the tax permanent if successful, although discussions appear to have halted since the pandemic. More recently, in the local elections, Edinburgh SNP’s manifesto included plans for a tourist tax in the Scottish capital. In Centre for Cities’ recent event in Manchester, Metro Mayor Andy Burnham raised the possibility of introducing a “tourist tax” in the city region.

The problem with this though, is that cities across the UK cannot introduce such a scheme without primary legislation , as local governments currently do not have the power of fiscal devolution to enact their own such taxes.

Many cities, especially in Europe, use a tourist levy to help manage and fund public infrastructure shared by both residents and tourists. This tax can be implemented in different ways. For example, Porto charges €2 per person each night, while Venice has an entry fee of between €3 and €10, depending on seasonal factors (see Figure 1 for further details).

Figure 1: There are several methods of raising a tourism revenue tax

Source: Respective local governments.

So how much could British cities raise from a tourist tax if they were allowed to introduce one? And which cities would benefit the most?

York, Blackpool, and Edinburgh are among the main beneficiaries

The potential revenues levied from a tourism tax in UK cities are substantial. Centre for Cities’ conservative estimates, based on domestic travel data show that a £2-per-night occupancy tax could raise at least £216 million annually across the 62 cities analysed. The areas that would raise the most revenue are typically coastal or historic university cities (Figure 2). York, Blackpool, and Edinburgh rank in the top three with an estimated revenue of around £21-31 per resident. This could see Blackpool earn around £6.2 million a year. To put this in context, it is nearly half of the annual funding from the Town Deal budget , which only lasts until 2026.

Figure 2: The cities that would raise the most revenue are typically coastal or historic university cities

These estimates are based solely on domestic tourism numbers (international numbers are not available), so popular destinations for international tourists could actually make even more money. For example, existing estimates show that a tourist tax in London – one of the most visited cities in the world – could raise around  £240 million per year , when including foreign visitors – more than five times our estimate for domestic tourists.

It is important to note though that a tourist tax would only benefit a few places – it won’t be an answer for all cities. For instance, 48 of the 62 cities analysed are estimated to bring in less than £10 per capita annually, which is less than one third of York’s potential figure.

There is little evidence that such a tax would damage the tourism industry

Opponents of tourism tax proposals often argue that it would negatively impact the local economy by reducing the number of visitors. In truth, the impact an occupancy tax would have on demand is unclear and likely to vary depending on the destination type and the tax rate. Edinburgh council has done some work on this, reflecting how seriously it is taking the proposals. One survey suggested that impacts on demand would be low, with only 2 per cent of respondents saying they would not have visited the city if they had to pay a £1-2 per night occupancy tax. Another poll shows that a Transient Visitor Levy was supported by 51 per cent of accommodation providers.

In addition to being an instrument to support local services, a survey conducted by the LGA in February 2020 suggests a tourist levy would be popular with the public – around 53 per cent of respondents supported it. As the tourism industry recovers from the pandemic, the popularity of a tax will likely increase.

The Government should introduce legislation to allow a tourist tax to happen

The tension at the heart of discussions about fiscal devolution is the trade-off between allowing places to benefit from growth in their areas and redistribution to struggling areas. Given that money raised would all be new money, rather than the redistribution of existing tax (creating winners and losers), this trade-off isn’t an issue for a tourist tax. While it isn’t likely to generate a great deal of money outside a handful of places, it would at least allow central and local government to dip its toe in fiscal devolution. Given this, legislation should be brought forward to allow it to happen.

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The bucket list destination charging tourists £157 to visit

Holidaymakers will have to fork out £157 per person to visit the Galapagos Islands this summer .

The stunning archipelago in Ecuador is a must-see location for nature lovers, made famous as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

But in a move to protect its array of fauna and flora, the government will increase its tourist tax as of August, in an effort to crack down on over-tourism and support the local economy.

How much is the tourist tax for visitors from the UK?

The exact amount each tourist is charged once the changes come into effect will differ depending on the nationality of tourists.

For people from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and Uruguay, the tourist tax will be $100 (£78), which is double the current fee of $50 (£39).

Visitors from other countries, including those from the UK , will have to pay £157 per person ($200 or €184), while the charge for children under 12 to enter the islands (which is the same regardless of country of origin) will double, going up to $100 (£78).

Entrance fees are going up across the board, including for Ecuadorian mainlanders who will have to part ways with $30 (£24) to experience the Galapagos – a significant increase compared to the $6 (£4) fee they pay right now. 

Why is there a tourist tax?

The Galapagos Islands are hugely popular and officials are looking for ways to control the number of tourists who visit.

According to the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), around 270,000 people reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site each year on average.

The GCT hopes to use the extra funds they’ll bring in to support the unique wildlife amid concerns about the growing risk of visitors disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

‘The Galapagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one,’ Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism said in a statement. ‘It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.’

How to fly to the Galapagos Islands from the UK

Travel experts at Kayak estimate that an average journey from the UK to Galapagos takes 37 hours and 53 minutes, which covers a distance of 6,235 miles.

The most popular route is to fly from London to San Cristóbal Airport.

Colombian airline Avianca flies a route from London Heathrow Airport to San Cristobal, with the cheapest flights starting from £1,101 return for one adult.

Are other tourist hotspots introducing entrance fees?

The Galapagos Islands aren’t the only tourist destination to use entry fees to reduce visitor numbers either.

Strolling through the bustling streets of Venice will look very different this summer, after Italy announced a fee for tourists.

It’s estimated around 30 million tourists walk through the narrow streets of the sinking city each year, compared to only 3.2 million who stayed overnight in 2022, and 50,000 residents who call the area home.

Over-tourism is a serious problem and to address the issue, the Venice City Council has confirmed plans to limit the number of groups that can travel to the city.

The Venice Access Fee is a pay-to-enter charge specifically aimed at day visitors following years of debates.

From April 25, tourists planning to touch down for the day will have to pay €5 (£4.30). Residents, commuters, students and children under 14 will be exempt, as will tourists staying overnight.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Mount Fuji in Japan would charge tourists to visit too.

The impressive mountain – which is an active volcano and the country’s highest– attracts thousands of climbers every year. In 2023, 221,322 people made the ascent.

Concerns over rubbish and the safety of hikers prompted Japanese authorities to impose the new tax – the price of which was confirmed in March to be ¥2,000 (£10) per head from July 1.

Do you have a story to share?

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Money blog: Big supermarket wants to rival Aldi and Lidl with 400 new convenience stores

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and advice. Let us know your thoughts on any of the topics we're covering using the comments box below.

Wednesday 26 June 2024 22:54, UK

• Morrisons to open hundreds more convenience stores
• Quorn to start blending meat into some products
• Popular energy supplier ranked worst for customer service - in big reversal from last year

Essential reads

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The supermarket has announced plans to open about 400 more of its Morrisons Daily convenience shops.

It is part of plans to take on discount retailers Aldi and Lidl, according to Retail Gazette . 

Morrisons said it wanted to increase its total number of smaller shops to 2,000 in 2025, although it has not yet given a list of locations. 

The supermarket has seen its like-for-like sales, excluding fuel and VAT, rise by 4.1% over the three months to 28 April. 

Chief executive Rami Baitieh said he was "pleased with the overall performance" of the business in the second quarter. 

Drivers are being warned this week's heatwave brings risks of an unexpected £180 bill. 

Car mechanics from Prestone said the hot weather could cause significant damage to windscreens - meaning you'll have to shell out for a replacement. 

"Slightly counterintuitively, it isn't the heat directly that causes damage, it is the fluctuation in temperature that could cause damage," they said. 

"When this happens to brittle materials such as glass, it can cause them to explode or crack; this is called thermal shock. To stop your windscreen from accumulating a lot of heat, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Consider parking under a tree, in a garage or other forms of shade."

Deliveroo shares have risen following reports US rival Doordash held takeover talks with the business. 

Doordash flagged an interest in taking over the UK's Deliveroo last month, but talks ended as the two sides couldn't agree on the value of the deal, according to Reuters news agency. 

The London-listed company's share price jumped by 6% to 136p this morning, although later eased to 3.7% higher. 

Deliveroo has seen its value fall by more than 50% since debuting on the stock market in March 2021. 

New details have been unveiled for Universal's first UK theme park - including plans for the attraction to be open 365 days a year.

Universal Destinations & Experiences - which is owned by Sky's parent company Comcast - has bought land near Bedford as it  plans to build  Europe's largest  theme park  with millions of visitors per year, as well as a 500-room hotel and dining area.

Read the full story here ...

The building society is the latest to slash rates, after HSBC yesterday and Barclays on Monday. 

It will be lowering two, three and five-year rates by up to 0.21% tomorrow. 

It follows a reduction in swap rates - which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend.

So what does this mean for the market more broadly? 

Here's what the experts told Newspage... 

Emma Jones, managing director at Whenthebanksaysno.co.uk: "They're falling like dominoes now. Things are suddenly looking considerably brighter for the property market as we enter the second half of the year. Enquiries are up sharply this week, which suggests the improved weather may also have lifted spirits and confidence."

David Stirling, independent financial advisor at Mint Mortgages and Protection: "We've not exactly hit the bargain basement for borrowers just yet but the competition for new business from the banks has definitely heated up this week. For some the Bank of England decision in August is very hotly anticipated and could hopefully lead to an incredibly busy autumn."

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice: "While these minor decreases are certainly a step in the right direction, the average rate for a two or five-year fix remains high. It's good to see rates moving down, but let's not get carried away. There are still too many unknowns on the horizon. The upcoming election, fluctuating house prices and geopolitical uncertainties all add layers of complexity to the market."

No one could have failed to notice the rocketing price of olive oil over the last couple of years - and it's been just as bad in Spain, where it is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. 

The Spanish government has now said it will temporarily ditch the sales tax on olive oil to help consumers cope. 

Spain is the world's leading producer and exporter of olive oil, and last year Spanish households consumed an average of six litres per person. 

However, the country's agriculture ministry says prices have surged by 272% since September 2020. 

The Money team wrote this piece in March about why that's happening... 

The Spanish government had already cut the sales tax on olive oil from 10% to 5% as part of an anti-inflation package.

Now they've said no sales tax will be applied from July until September, when it will be taxed at 2% until the end of the year. 

From then on, it will be taxed at 4%. 

Spanish treasury minister Maria Jesus Montero said the decision reflects "the importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet and a healthy lifestyle". 

The "Oscars of the aviation industry" has taken place and Qatar Airways has come out on top. 

Qatar Airways was named the overall winner, as well as first in the business class, business class lounge and Middle East categories, at Skytrax's World Airline Awards last night. 

It's the eighth time it has been awarded the best in class. 

Last year's winner, Singapore Airlines, came second, followed by Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific. 

British Airways was the highest-ranking UK airline in 13th place.

Europe's best airline was named as Turkish Airlines, while the continent's top low-cost airline was Spanish company Volotea. 

The rankings are based on airline passenger satisfaction surveys across more than 100 countries between September 2023 and May 2024. 

Other notable names to make the top 100 were: Ryanair (63), easyJet (66), Jet2.com (68) and Tui Airways (83).

These are the airlines that made the top 20: 

1. Qatar Airways 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Emirates 4. ANA All Nippon Airways 5. Cathay Pacific Airways 6. Japan Airlines 7. Turkish Airlines 8. EVA Air 9. Air France 10. Swiss International Air Lines 11. Korean Air 12. Hainan Airlines 13. British Airways 14. Fiji Airways 15. Iberia 16. Vistara 17. Virgin Atlantic 18. Lufthansa 19. Etihad Airways 20. Saudi Arabian Airlines. 

By James Sillars , business reporter

Two issues are dominating the behaviour of investors at the moment: US inflation and the snap parliamentary election in France.

Uncertainty over the two has been driving a topsy-turvy performance on stock markets as any scrap of evidence over the potential timing of a US interest rate cut is seized upon.

A sticky inflation picture across the pond – as we have witnessed here – has pushed back Federal Reserve and therefore market expectations for a reduction in borrowing costs.

The next big number awaited is the latest personal consumption expenditures price index, a closely watched inflation indicator at the US central bank.

A weaker than expected number could see a boost for shares globally after a volatile few weeks.

Following a 0.4% decline yesterday, the FTSE 100 opened 0.4% up at 8,285. 

Among the wider shares doing well were those of AO World, up more than 3%.

The online electricals retailer raised growth targets for its current financial year after profits over the 12 months to the end of March beat market expectations.

The pound and dollar have benefitted amid struggles for the euro over the past couple of weeks.

Much of that has been down to election speculation in France where Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) is leading first-round polling.

The election was called by President Emmanuel Macron after RN's strong gains in the recent European elections, sparking a renewed market focus on the French economy and the potential knock-on effects for the euro area.

France has a debt to GDP ratio of 110%, meaning its debt is more than the value of its annual output.

There is a budget deficit of 5%. EU rules allow for just 3%.

The market's worry, according to analysts, is that if the far-right RN were to win big in the first round, then voters may take a tactical turn to the left in the second.

It is a concern for France and the wider euro, they said, because a left-wing alliance influence in government would seek even greater public spending commitments than RN has made.

French government borrowing costs have soared since the election announcement.

Earlier this month, the risk premium France pays for its debt on top of Germany's neared levels last seen in 2012.

Quorn has been known for decades as a producer of meat-free alternatives - but in a new venture, it will be blending actual pork sausages with fake meat. 

The company has said it wants to reach consumers who are cutting down on their meat consumption but who are not going entirely vegetarian or vegan, according to a report in The Grocer . 

The new products include burgers and sausages, and will contain Quorn's mycoprotein blended with meat. 

They will be available by the end of the year within the NHS and from some food service operators. 

Marco Bertacca, Quorn's chief executive, told the publication that appealing to meat eaters "represents the majority of people, and so it is a massive opportunity to decarbonise part of the food system and improve public health".

"Once upon a time we were effectively competing with the meat industry – only making products that were alternatives to theirs, and encouraging people to switch," he said.

"There have been attempts in the past to make products like burgers and sausages with a blend of meat and plant-based ingredients like soya and pea protein, but the products have not delivered for consumers."

It told Sky News that it is still in the development stages of its catering partnerships but it has had "fantastic" feedback on the quality of the products and impact on sustainability targets so far. 

Livestock farming accounts for about 15% of global greenhouse emissions, according to FAO data. 

Every Wednesday we ask Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to the highly celebrated Shaun Rankin from Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall - who won the Great British Menu dessert course in 2009.

Hi Shaun , c an you tell us your favourite places in North Yorkshire  where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

North Yorkshire is bountiful in its selection of brilliant places to dine and we're incredibly lucky to have so many eateries on our doorstep.

My first recommendation would be the Blue Lion , a traditional country pub nestled within the picture-perfect village of East Witton in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside before stopping off for lunch – their light lunch menu includes personal favourites such as croque madame with a rocket salad and Black Sheep-battered fish and chips.

If you're heading in to explore the characterful charm of Ripon, a trip to Oliver's Pantry is a must. They do great coffee alongside a delicious all-day brunch, an array of sweet treats and their seasonal lunch menu packed with fresh homemade dishes.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

Chicken pesto pasta with mushrooms and broccoli - a delicious, easy dish to prepare and packed with nutrients.

My tip for this dish is to buy a whole chicken and roast it whole – it's so much more cost-effective than buying chicken breast or thigh, and you can enjoy several meals from just the one bird. With the leftovers I'll prepare a simple soup by making a chicken stock from the carcass, or perhaps a comforting bowl of chicken egg fried rice with the meat, so nothing is wasted. 

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

Those looking to drive to polling stations can park for free this general election.

JustPark are offering drivers 30 minutes of free parking near polling stations on 4 July.

They will need to pre-book online or via the JustPark app, however. 

"We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to vote, but know that on the day it isn't always that straightforward," Mary Corrie, managing director of Just Park UK, said.

"By offering free parking on election day, we hope to make it easier for all voters, especially those with mobility issues or who are short on time, to find a place to park near their polling station. 

"This is the second time we have offered this service, following its great success in the 2019 election, and we are confident it will help to get people to the polls once again."

EDF and Utilita have been ranked the worst suppliers for customer service, as ratings across the industry reached their lowest point, according to Citizens Advice .

One of the highest-scoring suppliers this time last year, EDF fell to the very bottom of the table after its average call waiting times jumped from just under a minute to more than five minutes.

Average customer ratings between January and March for all firms fell by 10.5% compared with the same period in 2021.

"Citizens Advice has long called for Ofgem to be given stronger powers to hold suppliers to account on customer service. That must include tackling the complaints backlog before next winter," said Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty.

At the bottom of the table, both Utilita and EDF scored 2.1 out of five stars, followed closely by British Gas on 2.4.

Dale Vince's Ecotricity topped the rankings with 3.8, followed by Outfox the Market and Ovo Energy, both scoring 3.3.

Among the other big suppliers, E.ON Next scored 3.0, Scottish Power 2.9 and Octopus 2.5.

An EDF spokeswoman said: "We recognise our call answer times haven't been up to the high standards we set ourselves and we're committed to doing better."

The company has recruited and trained more people at its Sunderland, Brighton and Exeter offices, she said.

She added EDF were nearing the end of a "complex transfer of our residential customers to a new IT system, resulting in more customers getting in touch as we navigate this process".

Utilita said: "We must not underestimate how savvy consumers are today. They will realise the star rating contradicts other market-wide supplier assessments – including those of Ofgem, Trustpilot and Which? – where Utilita performs consistently well.

"As such, we look forward to ongoing dialogue to close the gap between the perception the Citizens Advice star rating gives, and the reality other rankings provide."

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