Nottinghamshire County Council Conservative councillors will propose a motion at Thursday’s Full Council meeting opposing the Labour East Midlands Mayor’s proposed “tourism tax” on overnight stays, warning it could damage the county’s vital visitor economy.
Tourism plays a major role in the economy of Nottinghamshire, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail and leisure. The county also attracts visitors through major sporting venues, including Nottingham Forest, Notts County, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and the Nottingham Panthers.
The motion, proposed by Rushcliffe-based Conservative County Councillor Hari Om and seconded by the Conservative County Councillor for Newark West, Cllr Keith Girling, calls on the Labour Mayor to abandon the proposal.
Cllr Om said: “This proposed tourism tax from the Labour Mayor risks undermining a sector that is hugely important to our local economy. In Rushcliffe, we see first-hand the benefits that major sporting events and visitors bring to our area, from international cricket to Premier League football. Hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses all benefit from people choosing to stay in Nottinghamshire.
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“At a time when hospitality businesses are already struggling with rising costs, higher National Insurance contributions and a raft of new taxes from the Labour Government, introducing yet another charge on visitors sends entirely the wrong message. We should be encouraging people to visit and stay longer, not putting up new barriers.”
Cllr Girling added: “Businesses across Newark and the wider county have worked incredibly hard to recover from recent economic challenges. The hospitality sector in particular has faced wave after wave of new costs from Labour at a national level, and this proposed levy risks being yet another blow.
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“If accepted, this motion will send a clear message that Nottinghamshire County Council stands with local businesses and our visitor economy. I hope councillors from all parties will recognise the damage this proposal could cause and support the motion.”
Nottinghamshire Conservatives say the proposal risks deterring visitors, reducing overnight stays and harming local businesses that rely on tourism income.
They are urging all councillors across the chamber to back the motion and call on the Labour Mayor to reconsider the proposal.
