Manchester becomes first UK city to impose a tourist tax for overnight stays

Manchester has become the first UK city to impose a tourist tax for overnight stays.

Guests in hotels and holiday apartments will be charged one pound per night, per room, in a similar scheme to many cities across Europe.

Officials hope the new tax will raise the equivalent of over $5 million a year to support the city and local businesses.

Manchester City Council calls the scheme an “innovative initiative”.

The body behind the new charge in Manchester says it’ll go towards cleaning and attractions as part of a bigger business plan – however, whether a tourist tax is effective is still dividing opinion.