The campaign to battle the possible introduction of a ‘tourist-’ or ‘bed’-tax continues to grow apace, with many of the industry’s leading representatives now speaking out against the proposals.

A campaign to oppose the bed tax has been launched by the hospitality industry by the BHA, along with Caterer & Hotelkeeper, the Tourism Alliance and the budget hotel chain and BHA member Travelodge.

Other industry representatives who have recently spoken out against the tax include: Robert Cook, chief executive of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin; Christopher Scragg, chair and managing director of Marston Hotels; John Stauss, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel, London; and Jonathan Slater, managing director of the Chester Grosvenor hotel.

Sir Michael Lyons is due to present his interim report on possible sources of local government funding in June. One source being considered is a 5-10 per cent tax on guest accommodation in the UK.

It is anticipated that such an increase would cut inbound tourism revenues by £220m and domestic by £325m and would cost the Treasury over £200m in lost taxation, with close to £100m lost on international tourism.

The BHA strongly urges all members who have not already done so to sign Caterer & Hotelkeeper’s online petition, which can be found at www.caterersearch.com

Please send any comments you have on the bed-tax to [email protected]