BeulalandBlog : Bath : Would you pay a tourist tax?

If the proposal is nodded through, the Georgian spa city, pictured, would become the first in the UK to introduce the model, which is common throughout Europe

The Georgian spa city would become the first in the UK to introduce the model, which is common throughout Europe

Nearly six million tourists flock to the UNESCO World Heritage city each year
The city of Bath in Britain is likely to become the first in the UK to introduce a tourist tax. It is a common practice in major European destinations such as Paris and Rome.

Tourists in their millions flock to the UNESCO World Heritage city yearly in order to visit the famous Roman baths and ancient abbey.

Plans are now being drawn up to charge hotel guests staying in the city an extra £1 per night.

The River Avon flows under the Pulteney Bridge in Bath, which could become the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax

Bath and North East Somerset Council said they believe the move will not have a detrimental effect on tourism.

The council's Operational Plan states:

'Visitors are important to our economy, but they also impact upon council resources and services with around 5.8 million visitors every year.

'If a local tourism levy was introduced, it would help.

'For example, a £1 nightly surcharge per room would not affect tourism, but would bring in around £2.4 million each year to be reinvested into the local area to help maintain over 5,000 listed assets and support the public realm, arts and culture.'