As popular destinations like Brighton struggle with the pressure of overtourism, travel experts are calling for new ideas to ease the negative impact.
One suggestion is introducing a tourist tax for day visitors, which could have a big effect on both tourists and the local tourism industry.
Although there are no official plans yet, the idea is stirring discussions about how the UK might better manage tourism, especially in seaside towns facing similar problems.
Brighton, a lively coastal city in East Sussex, has long been a favourite spot for both day-trippers and holidaymakers.
Famous for its pier, vibrant culture, and as a key LGBTQ+ destination, Brighton welcomes nearly 10 million visitors each year.
But the constant stream of tourists is causing problems like overcrowded beaches, a shortage of parking, and higher living costs for locals, partly due to the rise in short-term holiday rentals.
As these issues grow, the idea of a tourist tax has come up as a possible way to manage the increasing visitor numbers while ensuring Brighton’s tourism industry remains sustainable.
One proposal is to introduce a £5 tourist tax for day-trippers. This fee could be added to parking costs, train tickets, or handled through an app.
The aim would be to control the number of visitors by discouraging too many day trips while using the funds to support the city’s infrastructure, such as cleaning the beach and managing crowds.
The tax could also encourage tourists to stay longer, spending more on overnight stays and meals, rather than just visiting for a day and leaving behind waste and traffic.
Money raised from the tax could be used to improve waste management, maintain public facilities, and address the challenges that come with large numbers of visitors.
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