Dozens of tourism businesses and organisations have taken part in a countywide consultation to shape our response to a national survey on the Government’s plans for a visitor levy on overnight stays. North Yorkshire Council launched their own survey in December to gather the views of businesses and organisations involved in North Yorkshire’s multi-billion pound tourism sector about the proposals for the visitor levy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled plans during her Budget announcement in November for elected mayors to be given powers to introduce the visitor levy on overnight stays. A total of 277 responses were received from businesses and organisations involved in the visitor economy across the county to the survey, which was conducted by our destination management organisation, Visit North Yorkshire. The majority of respondents were against a visitor levy, with 71 per cent of replies voicing opposition to the proposals. A total of 18 per cent of respondents supported the Government’s plans while a further 11 per cent had a neutral view on the proposals. A report outlining the findings of the survey in the county has been prepared and a letter from executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, is due to be sent to the Government to outline our response to the proposed visitor levy. Cllr Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, is due to consider the report on the consultation during a meeting on Tuesday next week (17 February). If the report is approved by Cllr Crane, the survey results will then inform our response to the Government’s own national consultation on the visitor levy proposals, which closes on Wednesday next week (18 February). Cllr Crane said: “We would like to thank all the businesses and organisations who took the time to take part in the survey in North Yorkshire. It is important that we listen to what the tourism sector is telling us locally and I am very keen to use our voice to highlight what businesses are saying about the proposed visitor levy to the Government. “If a visitor levy is to be introduced, then it is vital that elected mayors consult extensively with the businesses and organisations that will be impacted. If the levy goes ahead, there needs to be flexibility on a local level to spend the money raised where it is needed most. “The visitor economy is so important for our local economy and attracts visitors from across the world to our beautiful market and coastal towns and the wealth of cultural experiences that are on offer. “We have a vast range of tourism businesses, from luxury hotels attracting international visitors to budget self-catering and caravan accommodation serving families from the UK. “All businesses are already under extreme pressure from rising VAT, business rates, energy costs and wage increases, and we need to make sure that all of our tourism sector is not adversely affected if a visitor levy is introduced.” Tourism is worth more than £4 billion to the local economy and 32.2 million people came to North Yorkshire in 2024 including both day and overnight visitors, which is an increase of 3.8 per cent on 2023. However, the majority of respondents to the countywide survey voiced concerns that the introduction of a visitor levy for overnight stays would lead to a decline in the number of people visiting North Yorkshire. Many respondents feared that even a modest additional charge could discourage overnight stays or shorten trips, particularly among visitors and families who have tighter financial budgets. Several replies highlighted concerns that visitors could be inclined to choose areas without a levy that would provide a cheaper option for overnight stays. Another major theme was the administrative burden associated with implementing and managing a levy. Respondents expressed concerns about the additional time and cost required to adjust booking systems, update payment processes, and maintain accurate records. This was seen as especially challenging for small businesses with limited administrative capacity. Many businesses argued that a levy applied solely to overnight accommodation and not the wider tourism industry, so it was therefore a “tourism tax” specifically for accommodation providers. If a visitor levy is introduced in North Yorkshire, the majority of respondents were clear that any revenue should be used to fund improvements to enhance visitors’ experiences and support the long-term sustainability of tourism across the county. The majority of respondents selected the “strongly oppose” option when asked about whether they supported a visitor levy in North Yorkshire. This group accounts for about half of all respondents who answered the stance question, and approximately 70 per cent of those who opposed. Responses came from every major part of the visitor economy, with the largest number from accommodation providers, followed by visitor attractions, food and drink businesses, tourism-related retail, event organisers, activity providers and community groups. Respondents were geographically spread across the county, including the coast, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, market towns, rural villages and larger towns including Scarborough and Harrogate. The survey in North Yorkshire was specifically for businesses and organisations involved in tourism, and did not seek the views of residents and visitors.

Work has started this week on improvements to a popular route which provides stunning views of North Yorkshire’s coastline. The improvements to gateways on the Cinder Track are being carried out between Scalby and Scarborough. North Yorkshire Council are improving the safety of junctions, enhancing biodiversity, and creating new public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. The project aims to boost connections, create a network of interesting spaces to explore, and support the tourism economy. The project has also been split into different themes, all inspired by the heritage of the former railway route which dates back to the Victorian era. Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “The Cinder Track is a major asset for North Yorkshire, supporting everyday journeys for local people while also attracting visitors who want to experience our coast and countryside. “This Towns Deal funding gives us the opportunity to significantly enhance the gateways between Scalby and Scarborough. “These improvements will not only encourage more people to enjoy active travel, but also help celebrate and preserve the historic character that makes the Cinder Track such an important part of our heritage.” The project will see some areas developed as rest places with benches introduced, while others will be designated as gateway areas, or spaces that are journeyed through, to get to a destination. The eight areas of the £2.2 million project include Chichester Close, Newby Farm, Cross Lane, Gallows, Old Carriage Sidings, Woodland Ravine and Wykeham Street. Funding was awarded through the Government’s Towns Deal, to regenerate the area and deliver long-term economic growth. The council's highways company, NYHighways, is delivering the highways element of the scheme and work is expected to take a maximum 20 weeks, although this will be dependent on weather conditions. In 2024, they carried out a public consultation on the proposals. More than half of the people who responded supported the improvements and believed they would encourage both residents and visitors to use the Cinder Track. The project is also aligned with Scarborough’s Town Investment Plan and aims to improve health through increased walking and cycling, boost access to employment, education and leisure, reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality. The chair of our Scarborough and Whitby area committee, Cllr Liz Colling, who represents the Falsgrave and Stepney division, said: “This work will help to ensure more people can access the Cinder Track and enjoy the wonderful views that this route provides along the coast. “The track has a special place for our local communities while also being enjoyed by visitors from far afield. I am pleased to see that the work is centred on the heritage of the route while making it fit for purpose for the 21st century.” The length of the Cinder Track follows a disused railway line which has been converted into a bridle way that is used by walkers and cyclists and stretches for 21 miles from Scarborough to Whitby. The track is popular with both local communities and visitors, allowing access to the countryside and providing outstanding views over the landscape, as well as a connection between villages and towns.