The popular holiday destination famed for its sandy beaches expects the new levy to generate an extra £2.6 million per year, which can then be spent on future events and keeping the town clean.
Bournemouth has become the first seaside resort in the UK to introduce a 'tourist tax' as business owners voted to approve measures which will see a family of four charged an extra £34 for a week's stay.
The idea is similar to the tax tourists have to pay in some holiday destinations in Europe and the US, and follows the cities of Manchester and Liverpool, which already have similar levies. The money will then be collected quarterly by BCP Council who will then pass it to the ABID for reinvestment in the town.
Rosie Radwell, managing director of Marsham Court Hotel and chair of ABID, said: 'This is good news for the destination and we are thrilled that the accommodation providers have voted in favour.The tourist tax has split locals, with some highlighting the need for more investment while others fear it could drive tourists away
'We have all sorts of plans for the money - making a clean, green and safe environment and helping companies put on events that will bring in overnight visitors all year round. He said: 'As a destination, and making sure that that destination is the best it can possibly be with the most eventful things that can happen, it's just wicked.'I don't think we have been in a situation for the last 15 years where we have had this amount of money to be able to spend on the area.
Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Would you like to be beside the seaside? Inside British resorts from Margate to St Ives and Devon considering European-style tourist taxes that could set a family of four back £140 a week...compared to £120 for Venice Local resident Ciara Cameron said: 'Bournemouth has really taken a downturn.. I wouldn't pay a tax to come visit this town, I'd go somewhere else instead.
A report from the meeting said the council needs to 'actively investigate opportunities to maximise income to the Council from the visitor economy to help balance its costs to the Council.' In England, several such taxes in all but name already exist, introduced by councils in Manchester and Liverpool using a legal loophole. This enables them to levy tax on accommodation by creating a tourism-based Business Improvement District .
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Bournemouth becomes first UK resort to tax tourists for staying there as hotel owners approve £34...The popular holiday destination famed for its sandy beaches expects the new levy to generate an extra £2.6 million per year, which can then be spent on future events and keeping the town clean.
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