EUROC opposes the Bed/Tourism Tax on behalf of Timeshare owners
The newly formed Timeshare owners representative body, EUROC (European Resort Owners’ Coalition), has put forward submissions opposing the new bed/tourism tax, citing that Timeshare owners are not tourists and should be exempt from paying the tax should it be implemented.
A tourist tax is a fee charged by the munipality to visitors
The rationale is that most visitors and tourist use facilities and cause some usage/wear and damage to the areas they visit which is seen as an unfair burden on the permanent residents, therefore tourists should also contribute
Discussions surrounding the potential implementation of tourist/bed tax of £1-£2 per night for tourists staying in accommodation throughout the UK continue to take place. The city of Edinburgh has made the most progress so far towards introducing the tax with the councils of Bath, Liverpool and The Lake District and many others also pursuing the idea as they all seek the potential extra funding for the increased costs incurred in maintaining the upkeep and repairs to their local area caused by the visiting tourists.
Along with all other overnight visitors, timeshare owners at UK resorts could potentially face an additional payment of up to £14.00 for each week which could be added to their annual management fees if the bed/tourist tax is approved.
Wally Francis of Lakeland Village owners Club in the Lake District said “Many of our members own multiple weeks at our resort and imposition of the bed tax could indeed see members relinquishing their weeks as a direct result of this, especially when we as a committee are doing everything possible not to increase annual maintenance fees”.
The stunning Royal Mile, medieval buildings and landmarks filled with crowds of people and tourists during the busy month of August for the Edinburgh Fringe.
All Parlimentary Group
At a recent All Parliamentary party group for hospitality, members of the EUROC board made the case for the timeshare industry on behalf of its members. We will share further updates with you as more information becomes available and meetings take place.
The latest full report on the UK bed tax discussions is available to EUROC members, for more information, please contact: jgilmartin@euroc.eu
As a timeshare owner does this concern you?
Get involved – if your committee is not already members of EUROC contact Membership Secretary Jane Gilmartin for more information at jgilmartin@euroc.eu