England Plans Nightly Tourist Levy on Hotels and Airbnb-Style Stays

A charge on overnight stays

Tourists in England would face a nightly levy on hotel and short-let stays under plans reported on September 10, 2026. Similar visitor taxes already operate in many European destinations.

Hotel groups criticised a fresh government approach to hospitality costs. The levy would sit on top of room rates paid by domestic and overseas visitors.

What is not yet fixed

The rate per night, start date, and whether cities could set their own bands have not been locked in public documents accompanying Thursday’s coverage.

Local leaders in visitor-heavy areas have previously asked for a tool to fund cleaning, transport, and policing around short-term lets.