Exclusive:'Great difference': Michelin-starred chef backs York visitor levy
The owner of one of North Yorkshire’s most treasured pubs has backed the Mayor’s plans to introduce a tourism tax.
Andrew Pern, who runs The Star Inn in Harome, near the North York Moors, said he thought a visitor levy in York in particular could make a “great difference”.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith has just finished consulting on a proposed £2 per night tourist tax, after this power was granted to England’s mayors in the Budget.
Research from York St John University found this could raise £52m annually for the region, which would be more than seven times Mr Skaith’s yearly bus budget.
However, the proposed move has proved controversial, with hospitality businesses concerned it could put off visitors.
Of the 277 responses to North Yorkshire Council’s survey on a visitor levy, 71 per cent were opposed to the idea, with 18 per cent in support and 11 per cent neutral.
However, Mr Pern, whose pub was once again awarded a Michelin star earlier this month, said he would certainly be in favour of one in York.
He told The Yorkshire Post: “As many major cities of the world already charge a visitor tax or levy it can only help the city of York.
“As long as the finance filters down into areas which are needed to enhance and promote the city further.
“Surely with the volume of tourists and visitors to our great city this will make a great difference.”
Visitor levies are commonplace in European cities, such as Paris or Barcelona, which have not seen tourism numbers drop.
Speaking at the close of the consultation, Mr Skaith said: “York and North Yorkshire is beautiful, with something for everyone.
“That’s why millions of people come to spend time here every year. It’s a success story for our region, with over 54,000 jobs, but it also adds a lot of pressure to local services.
“I’m focussed on the people who live and work here and who feel the impact of millions of visitors. I’ll make sure that we prioritise the places and public services that feel the most pressure, without costing residents an extra penny.
“A visitor levy could be a total game changer for our region. It’s an opportunity to drive investment into our communities, and back businesses in our tourism and hospitality sectors with the support we all know we need, but nobody has the money for right now.
“We must get this right for our region and that’s what I’m focussed on as we go through this process.”