Holidaymakers planning a trip to Cornwall and Devon may soon find themselves facing an additional tax, as the chief executive of Visit Cornwall has expressed support for the implementation of a tourist levy in the area.
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, has indicated that he can “certainly envision” a tax on tourists in the near future. Known as the “Cornish Tax,” this levy would target the more than four million people who visit Cornwall for a holiday annually. Additionally, the local committee report reveals that 12 million people make day visits to the popular seaside county.
Bell emphasized the importance of engaging in discussions and considering all possibilities before rushing into action. He suggested that if Cornwall were to introduce a tax, it should be done in conjunction with neighboring Devon to prevent tourists from simply shifting their travel plans. He highlighted that alignment between the two counties is crucial to the success of such a scheme.
Similar tourist levies have been implemented in other parts of the world, such as Venice, Italy, where a five euro charge for visitors has sparked controversy. In response to potential criticism, Bell proposed that the revenue generated from the tax should be reinvested back into local businesses to support the community. He noted that most tourists are likely to accept the tax if they see tangible benefits for the local economy.
Bell’s vision for the tourist tax aims to maintain a balance between tourism revenue and local investment, ensuring that holidaymakers’ contributions directly benefit the communities they visit. With 85% repeat business in Cornwall, Bell believes that tourists who appreciate the area would be willing to support the levy if they perceive it as a means to help Cornwall and its residents thrive.
