Trade association beam has called on the government to exempt business travel and events from any future Overnight Visitor Levy, warning that applying a “tourist tax” to work-related travel could damage economic growth and international competitiveness.
The call follows the inclusion of the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy Bill in the King's Speech, which set out the government’s legislative agenda for the coming parliamentary session.
David Tremmil, chair of beam, said the proposal had already generated significant debate across the industry, including at recent beam events.
“The announcement surrounding a potential accommodation levy
has understandably generated significant discussion across the business events
sector, including at recent beam events where members shared mixed views on the
long-term impact such a levy could have on destinations, venues and corporates,” he said.
“While some destinations have highlighted potential benefits
from local levies, feedback from our members - including those operating within
Manchester - suggests there remains limited transparency around how funds are
being reinvested and whether this has directly translated into increased
business events activity or economic growth.”
Tremmil said beam’s position remained clear, arguing that meetings and events programmes should not be treated in the same way as leisure tourism.
“As an association, beam’s position remains clear: business travel and events must be explicitly exempt from any Overnight Visitor Levy,” he said.
“Conferences, exhibitions, meetings and incentive programmes are not discretionary tourism; they are powerful economic drivers that support regional development, inward investment, skills growth and supply chains across the UK.”
He added: “Applying what is effectively a tourist tax to work-related travel risks creating an additional financial burden on UK businesses at a time when growth, productivity and international competitiveness remain central to the Government’s agenda.”
beam formally submitted a response to the government consultation in February alongside industry organisations including Business Travel Association, Global Business Travel Association and Institute of Travel Management.
The association said the submission reinforced the need for a nationally consistent approach and a clear exemption for business travel and events.
The UK events industry contributes more than £61bn to the economy annually, with business events accounting for more than £33bn of that figure.
