Responding to the Government’s announcement on plans to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy, John Dickie, Chief Executive of BusinessLDN, said: “The tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors are already facing extremely difficult trading conditions due to rising costs and consumers tightening their belts amid a cost-of-living squeeze. That means bringing in a new tax at this moment on a sector that is a major economic and cultural asset for London and the UK will be yet another blow for many firms.
“If it is to be introduced, it’s vital that the Mayor sets out a compelling vision for how this tax will be used to promote and grow tourism in the capital.
“And there must be meaningful engagement with the industry so that the money raised delivers tangible results and supports the sector.”