Popular seaside town demands ‘tourism tax’ and insists one type of visitor 'not welcome'

Popular seaside town demands ‘tourism tax’ and insists one type of visitor 'not welcome'Bournemouth has sparked a row after calling for a new "tourism tax" and saying disruptive visitors are "not welcome" in the seaside town. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Michael D. Carroll 06:00, Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Updated: 06:55, Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Bournemouth council has called for a £2-a-night tourism tax (Image: Getty)A popular seaside resort is seeking government approval to introduce a tourism tax on visitors, as officials say the town is struggling to cope with the pressures of anti-social behaviour and soaring seasonal demand.Bournemouth and Christchurch and Poole Council wants permission to allow hotels and B&Bs to add a £2 per person per night levy onto accommodation bills, with the money earmarked for maintaining beaches and seafront facilities. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTIf approved, a family of four staying for a week could face an extra £56 on their holiday costs.The council says the funds would be used to increase the number of seafront rangers and improve litter collection, after 83 tonnes of waste were cleared during a recent heatwave alone.However, the proposal has sparked strong opposition from parts of the hospitality sector, who warn it could deter domestic holidaymakers at a time when visitor numbers are already under pressure. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Asylum system ‘all but lost’ as watchdog warns Home Office has no control Massive number of British students back return of death penalty, poll shows Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyWhat d...