Liverpool hotels approve introduction of £2 city visitor charge to support tourism and events

Liverpool’s hotels and serviced apartments have formally voted in favour of introducing a £2 per night visitor charge, aimed at strengthening the city’s visitor economy and supporting its ability to attract major events.

The charge, proposed through an alteration ballot by Liverpool’s Accommodation BID (Business Improvement District), received the backing of the city’s 83 accommodation providers. The initiative will see guests paying an additional £2 per night during their stay in Liverpool, administered either upon check-in or at the end of their visit.

It is projected that the City Visitor Charge will generate £9.2 million over a two-year period, with £6.7 million earmarked for a subvention fund. This fund is designed to enhance Liverpool’s ability to attract high-profile conferences and events, which in turn are expected to deliver a potential £220 million economic impact through increased visitor spending. The remaining funds will be used to bolster destination marketing and visitor economy services, enhancing the city’s national and international profile.

The £2 charge will be overseen and administered by the Accommodation BID, which is governed by a board of representatives from Liverpool’s hotel and serviced apartment sector, and managed by Liverpool BID Company. The BID Company also manages Liverpool’s Retail & Leisure BID and Culture & Commerce BID, representing over 1,000 city centre businesses.

Liverpool is currently the only city in England with an operational Accommodation BID, and under government legislation, the business improvement district model provides the only mechanism by which an overnight visitor charge of this kind can be legally introduced. It ensures funds are directed through a transparent business plan to clearly defined strategic objectives.

The new charge is part of a wider strategy to create a sustainable, circular visitor economy that not only drives economic growth but also relieves pressure on public services. It will directly support services including:

• Event subvention to attract major conferences and exhibitions
• Destination marketing to increase city profile
• Public realm enhancements
• BID-led marketing campaigns and promotional activity

The Accommodation BID was established in January 2023, with an initial levy applied to venues with a rateable value exceeding £45,000. These funds have already supported a range of high-impact events, including the Labour Party Conference, which delivered significant returns for the hospitality and tourism sector.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:

“This £2 per night levy will help turbocharge Liverpool’s tourism and visitor economy. It allows the city to reinvest in attracting major events and building a sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term success. Importantly, it was the industry itself that voted to introduce the levy, ensuring those who manage its implementation also shape its impact. Based on success seen in other European cities, this model is expected to significantly enhance Liverpool’s global competitiveness as a destination.”

Marcus Magee, Chair of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, added:

“This is a landmark decision that empowers the hospitality sector to have a direct say in the strategic direction of Liverpool’s visitor economy. Through the BID model, we are creating a clear, transparent framework for investment that will deliver long-term value for both businesses and visitors.”

Find out more on the Liverpool Bid Company website.

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