Residents react to Blackpool tourism tax debate

Residents in Blackpool would not be happy to see tourism tax – already introduced into some places with high visitor numbers – brought to the resort.

A major debate about the tax and its impact on holiday areas brought Blackpool into the discussion earlier this week, with hoteliers adamant it would be wrong for the town. 

They labelled any attempt to introduce it into the resort as “bonkers”.

Now residents have lashed the idea too.

A tourism tax is a small, mandatory fee added to accommodation bills or charged to visitors entering popular destinations, aimed at funding local services, infrastructure repairs, and sustainable tourism initiatives. 

It comes as concerns were raised in Devon and Cornwall about the possibility of a tourism levy following in footsteps of city areas with a mayor, such as Manchester and Liverpool.

Lancashire would be able to introduce the tax too, because of the new status of the combined authority, which brought Blackpool into the debate.

Resident Chris Russell said: “I am mixed on this one – it could pay for lights, tourist information and all the free service as long as the council keep it to a small reasonable level. This tax in place in lots of places around world.”

Stuart Askin said: “They do it its rampant in other places.” 

Paul Jackson said: “The amount of tourism in Blackpool has declined a great deal since the 70s when it was packed so do you honestly think them having to pay tax is going to help that? It’ll put anyone off coming – cheaper to go abroad as it is.”

Brendam Pawsn said: “It’s bonkers to bring tourist tax in anywhere, it will put people off.”

Peter Henson said of the tax: “It’s just pure greed.”

The Government is still in discussion about whether to introduce it into areas outside Liverpool and Manchester, with many business urging

Chancellor Rachel Reeves not to do it.

Lancashire County Council formally launched the Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) with Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council on February 5, 2025. 

Lancashire County Council was asked abut the tourism tax and said: “The LCCA has not considered charges. We await the outcome of the government’s consultation.”