Liverpool’s £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ Starts Soon: Starting 1st June 2025, Liverpool will officially introduce a new £2 “City Visitor Charge” for overnight stays in hotels and serviced accommodations. If you’re planning to visit this vibrant city, home to The Beatles, iconic football clubs, and UNESCO heritage waterfronts, it’s important to understand how this new fee works and what it means for your trip.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Liverpool’s tourist tax — why it’s happening, how it will be collected, who it affects, and practical tips to help you plan your stay wisely.
Liverpool’s £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ Starts Soon
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 1 June 2025 |
| Charge Amount | £2 per room per night |
| Who Collects It | Hotels, hostels, serviced apartments with rateable value £45,000+ |
| Purpose | To raise funds for tourism improvements and local events |
| Expected Revenue | £9.2 million over two years |
| Official Info | Liverpool City Council Announcement |
Liverpool’s £2 tourist tax starting June 1, 2025, is a modest addition that will help fund exciting new improvements to the city’s tourism experience. Whether you’re a music lover exploring The Cavern Club, a football fan visiting Anfield, or a foodie sampling local delights, this small fee supports the vibrant culture that makes Liverpool one of the UK’s top travel destinations.
To stay updated or find official information, visit the Liverpool City Council’s announcement page. By understanding the new visitor charge, you can plan your trip smoothly and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer!
What is Liverpool’s £2 Tourist Tax?
Liverpool’s new City Visitor Charge is a £2 fee per night, per room, added to your hotel bill. It applies to guests staying in hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments with a rateable value of £45,000 or more.
This fee will be automatically added by accommodation providers when you check in or out. It’s very similar to the “tourist taxes” already in place in popular European cities like Barcelona and Venice.
According to Liverpool City Council, the charge is expected to raise £9.2 million over two years, with 73% of the revenue reinvested into enhancing the visitor experience, supporting local events, and promoting the city internationally.
Why is Liverpool Introducing a Tourist Tax?
The goal behind the new charge is simple: to reinvest into Liverpool’s thriving tourism sector. After all, tourism is a major economic driver for the city, with millions of people visiting every year.
The revenue will fund:
- Marketing campaigns to attract more visitors.
- Events and festivals showcasing Liverpool’s culture.
- Improving infrastructure like signage, accessibility, and attractions.
Officials also point out that Liverpool will be joining a growing list of global cities that collect modest visitor charges to maintain and enhance public services.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new £2 City Visitor Charge will apply to:
- Tourists staying overnight.
- Business travelers using accommodation.
- Anyone booking a qualifying room through online travel agencies (like Booking.com or Expedia).
It does not apply to:
- Residents of Liverpool staying in their own homes.
- Small B&Bs or accommodations under £45,000 in rateable value.
If you’re staying multiple nights, expect to pay £2 per night, so a 3-night stay would add £6 to your total bill.
How Will the Tourist Tax Be Collected?
The fee will be automatically added to your accommodation bill. Hotels, serviced apartments, and other qualifying establishments are responsible for:
- Adding the £2 per night fee to your booking.
- Displaying the charge clearly at reception.
- Explaining the purpose of the charge if asked.
Good to Know:
Some hotels may present it as a separate line item on your invoice, while others will include it in the overall total.
Is Liverpool the First UK City to Implement a Tourist Tax?
Liverpool is among the first major UK cities to implement such a scheme. However, other regions are exploring similar charges:
- Manchester introduced a City Visitor Charge in 2023.
- Edinburgh is planning a tourist levy too.
Globally, tourist taxes are common and help support city services and tourism infrastructure. Visitors to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome already pay similar nightly fees.
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What Are the Benefits of the Tourist Tax?
While paying an extra £2 a night may feel inconvenient to some visitors, there are clear benefits:
- Better maintained attractions
- More cultural festivals and public events
- Enhanced city infrastructure (e.g., better signage, cleaner streets)
- Sustaining local businesses that rely heavily on tourism
In the long run, the money goes directly toward making Liverpool a more enjoyable and accessible place for all visitors.
Tips for Visitors to Liverpool in 2025
1. Budget Accordingly
Factor the extra £2 per night into your accommodation costs, especially if you’re staying multiple nights.
2. Book Early
Some accommodations may bundle the fee into offers or promotions — booking early can lock in lower overall costs.
3. Check the Small Print
When booking online, look for mentions of the City Visitor Charge to avoid surprises at check-out.
4. Use Visitor Services
Take advantage of tourist centers, guided tours, and public transport deals — many improvements are funded by these charges!
FAQs On Liverpool’s £2 ‘Tourist Tax’ Starts Soon
Q1: Does the City Visitor Charge apply to Airbnb stays?
It depends. If the Airbnb is considered a “serviced accommodation” and has a rateable value over £45,000, the charge will apply.
Q2: Will there be discounts or exemptions for students or long-term stays?
Currently, the charge is a flat rate without discounts for students or exemptions for extended stays.
Q3: How will the City Visitor Charge impact hotel prices?
Since it’s a small fixed amount (£2 per night), it’s unlikely to significantly impact overall hotel prices.
Q4: What happens if a hotel doesn’t apply the tax?
Hotels are legally obligated to collect the fee. Non-compliance could result in penalties from the local council.
Q5: Where does the collected money go?
Approximately 73% will be reinvested into Liverpool’s visitor economy, supporting events, promotions, and city improvements.
