RACHEL Reeves has come under fire for saying Britons should have the chance to go on holiday — while Labour plans to impose a tax on overnight stays.
The Chancellor said in her Spring Statement that being able to pay for a holiday is “never too much to ask”.
But her Government’s Visitor Levy could allow local authorities to tax getaways at holiday parks, campsites, cottages and hotels — increasing the cost.
Kate Nicholls, of UKHospitality, said: “The Chancellor spoke of wanting everyone to be able to afford a holiday.
“But the Government’s plans to introduce a holiday tax will put that even further out of reach for the regular family.
“If it wants to make holidays affordable, it should stop the holiday tax.”
Hilton Europe president Simon Vincent also called for the levy to be scrapped to “ensure the UK remains competitive”.
He said it could mean nearly a third of the cost of a hotel room will be made up of tax, “impacting hard-working British families”.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has even said £14 billion could be lost from the economy if it’s introduced.
A government spokesperson said: “Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions.
“We’re giving mayors powers to make sure this benefits their communities, and help them drive economic growth to put more money in people’s pockets.”
