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Liverpool’s hotels and serviced apartments have voted to approve the introduction of a £2 overnight charge to guests and those staying in the city.
The proposals, put forward as an alteration ballot through the city’s Accommodation BID were supported by a vote undertaken by the city’s 83 hotels.
The charge is projected to bring in £9.2m over two years, of which £6.7m will go towards supporting the city’s visitor economy through a subvention fund.
The £2 charge will be managed and administered by hotels and serviced accommodation, either when guests check in or at the end of their stay.
The levy generated would be administered by the Accommodation BID, a business improvement district governed by hotels and serviced apartment providers in the city. It is overseen by an industry board. An executive board also manages the strategy and business planning of the ABID.
The Accommodation BID is managed by Liverpool BID Company, which includes two business improvement districts in the city centre and represents over 800 businesses in the city.
Bill Addy, Liverpool BID Company CEO, said: “This £2 a night levy will be to help turbo charge Liverpool’s tourism and visitor economy, helping the city attract bigger events who bring people to the city. The circular visitor economy is one that becomes sustainable, in that it is able to invest towards the aspects it needs to make itself successful.
“We have always said that the industry should have their say on whether they want this levy to come in, as they are administering it. The evidence of other European cities suggests this model will translate overnight stays into major investment, so that we can convert that into world-leading and world-beating events.”
Marcus Magee Liverpool’s Accommodation BID chair, added: “This is a major step in enabling the hospitality sector to have a say and an influence in regards to the city’s decision-making around the visitor economy, which is crucial to the vibrancy and economy of the city. The business improvement district structure allows for a clear and transparent approach to the use of investment.”
