A HOLIDAY tax will wipe billions from the economy and threaten jobs for young people, a hotel boss has warned.
The proposed UK-wide per person, per night levy on stays would hammer growth, Hilton chief Stephen Cassidy says.
Hospitality UK has estimated hard-working British families could face an extra £100 or more for a two-week holiday in the UK as a result of it.
In a social media post, Mr Cassidy said: “A holiday tax risks deterring both British travellers, who make up the majority of hotel guests in the UK, and international visitors who play a vital role in supporting local economies.”
And he warned: “Hospitality is also one of Britain’s most important gateways into work.
“Nearly four in ten people employed in the sector are aged between 16 and 24, making it the country’s largest employers of young people.
“At a time when close to one million young people are not in education, employment or training, reducing demand for tourism and hospitality risks reducing opportunity. “
He pointed to industry figures suggesting a levy could slash £2.2bn from GDP, cut tourism spending by £1.8bn and cost 33,000 jobs.
Mr Cassidy went on: “The tax burden on the hospitality sector is already damaging and unfair.
“Government policies should help unlock hospitality and tourism’s potential – not hold it back.”
