Tourism Industry 2026-09-03
2026-09-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Oxford Economics estimates that the overnight visitor levy will lead to a £1.8 billion reduction in spending and a decrease in tax receipts.
Will the Minister confirm that the visitor economy growth strategy will consider the harm caused by the new tourism tax, and say when it will be published?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who I know is a huge champion for his constituency, and indeed on this subject. We are committed to increasing visitor numbers—he will have heard my answer to the previous question on the overnight levy, and there is a strong case for any money raised to be reinvested in tourism. As I said, I was in Blackpool last week speaking to tourism industry leaders and businesses, and far from the doom and gloom that the hon. Member alludes to, I witnessed a great deal of hope, hard work and dynamism.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to review the impact of the levy is not confirmed, and the response is generally positive towards the levy.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern that unregulated short lets are harming communities and undermining the hotel industry.
Does the Minister agree that for the tourism industry to be a real success, hotels cannot be undermined by short lets, and that getting the registration scheme in place and the Treasury to investigate where there might be breaches of HMRC rules are important steps forward in ensuring that?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has been a strong champion on this issue. It was a delight to visit her constituency earlier this year to talk and to see at first hand the problem that it creates. As the Secretary of State has outlined, this Government are committed to that register, and we know the difference it will make to communities such as my hon. Friend's and those up and down the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps for investigation and enforcement are not detailed, and the response is generally positive towards the commitment.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The tourism sector is worth £147 billion and supports millions of jobs, but faces challenges due to higher taxes.
Will the Minister urge him to take up Conservative policy and scrap business rates for those venues as well as for restaurants, cafes, hotels and leisure attractions, and support that vital sector?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place and look forward to working with him in the coming months. He will have heard that the review of business rates for pubs and hotels announced just a few weeks ago by the Chancellor has been welcomed by a number of people, including the CEO of UKHospitality, who said it was a “positive move”. Under this Government we have seen the biggest investment in the tourism sector: the £6.3 billion Universal Studios investment at Bedford. It was a pleasure to be there a few weeks ago.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific urging to scrap business rates is not confirmed, and the response highlights previous investments and reviews.
Response accuracy