'Tourism tax' raises £10m to tempt events to city

Some £10m raised by Liverpool's new "tourism tax" is being used to attract and support major events in the city.

The £2-per-room overnight visitor charge, managed by Accommodation BID, was introduced in June.

The levy has contributed to events in the city including the Labour Party Conference, the World Chess Championships and the World Boxing Championships.

The Conferences and Exhibition Fund targets major events which drive overnight stays and more spending by visitors, said Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID).

Liverpool Accommodation BID is governed by the city's accommodation industry and managed by Liverpool BID.

Nearly £7m of the new fund is forecast to be spent on supporting major events in the city, £1m will be invested in "destination marketing" and the remaining funds will be invested in supporting the city's visitor economy.

Liverpool BID chief executive Bill Addy said: "We have a clear objective in attracting events that drive overnight stays.

"We know that day trippers are increasing, but it is that overnight market, which spends more in the visitor economy, we have to target.

"There is real value in targeting investment on direct visitor activity, helping money flow into the city economy from overnight stays, food and drink, retail, and the wider supply chain in hospitality.

"This creates a more sustainable and stable visitor economy. Relying on a seasonal visitor economy means more seasonal jobs and potentially wider youth unemployment.

"If we have a sustainable, year-round visitor economy, we have a more stable path of investment and security."

Marcus Magee, chairman of the Accommodation BID board, said the fund was about creating a "sustainable partnership between the Accommodation BID, accommodation sector and the visitor economy".

He added: "We know that this is a successful private sector-led initiative, enabling a circular economy where we can generate investment from overnight stays.

"This allows us to have a marker of success, but it also allows for a strong economy that maximises investment, strengthens hospitality and makes the city a more attractive place to visit and spend time."

In July, Liverpool BID said hotels saw their highest monthly occupancy rate, with the city ranking in the top 20 for occupancy rates over weekends globally in 2025.

The Conferences and Exhibition Fund has two rounds of applications each year, one which closes on 29 May and the second on 28 August.

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