Words: Danny Carden, Ramblers Communications Manager 
 
Plans to introduce a visitor levy are under development in parts of Britain. As walking tourism grows in popularity, could these ‘tourist taxes’ provide a new way to promote responsible outdoor recreation and spark much-needed investment in our landscapes and walking infrastructure? 
 
When we consider what we love most about walking, many of us will think about the freedom and escape offered by Britain’s most cherished pastime. That simplicity makes walking special, and it is encouraging more people – international visitors and domestic tourists, as well as locals – to explore our countryside. In fact, a report this spring found that 40% more people are now hillwalking in England than a decade ago. Fantastic news for the nation’s health, happiness and economy. However, how we fund services to support walking is sadly proving anything but simple.  

One headline-grabbing new option is the visitor levy, often branded a ‘tourist tax’ or ‘bed tax’. Common internationally, levies charge visitors a small proportionate fee for each night of their stay to create a new stream of public money.  

 

Big funding questions for walking tourism 

Many councils are struggling to pay for services supporting tourism. That includes investment in the basics that keep our favourite walks feeling welcoming and safe, such as paths, rangers, signage, bins and maintenance teams. This is a huge shame, not least because nature-based tourism adds billions of pounds to Britain’s economy every year.  

In Scotland, more than half of European visitors go for a hike during their holiday, with 10 times more tourists hillwalking than playing golf. However, investment in Scottish access has stagnated for more than a decade – a picture we see mirrored throughout Britain. For many years, public spending has failed to match the rising popularity of walking and outdoor tourism. And that’s leading to real issues on the ground.  

A BBC investigation last year found 32,000 blocked or obstructed paths in England and Wales. In Scotland, too many councils do not currently have any dedicated access officers to address complaints from walkers or landowners. Issues with paths and access create barriers for local walkers, and lead to disappointment for walking visitors. And when popular hotspots lack proper toilets, parking or waymarking, tourism can begin to have a negative impact for residents and nature.  

Even our national parks, which should be the jewel in the crown of Britain’s landscapes, face worrying financial futures. For example, the Peak District National Park Authority’s government grant has been cut by over 50% in real terms during the past decade.  

 

Exploring new solutions: fresh funding from visitor levies? 

Perhaps understandably, politicians are beginning to think outside the box, and beyond Britain’s borders, for new answers to the financial predicament.  

And that is where visitor levies come in. Supporters argue that they can help to address ‘overtourism’ and point to similar schemes in place in more than a dozen European nations. Levies potentially offer a new way to promote responsible walking tourism, benefitting locals, nature and the visitors themselves.  

Added together, all those small fees generate big sums. Some estimates suggest that a levy on overnight accommodation in England could generate more than £1 billion a year. Imagine if only a tenth of that went to walking – that’s £100 million extra every year to invest in paths, signs, footbridges and gates.  

Such a sum would make a big difference to walkers. For example, by spending just £2 million annually for six years, Scotland’s Improving Public Access scheme delivered 158 miles of paths, 82 bridges, 44 miles of drainage ditches, 663 waymarkers, almost 500 seats, around 300 information signs, about 500 gates, and much more. For a similar annual spend, a Welsh scheme delivered a whopping 1,600 physical improvements, including replacing 123 stiles with gates in a single year.  

 

Visitor levies going live  

Levy schemes are now live, or being discussed, in many of Britain’s most-visited destinations. Walkers in Scotland might be most interested in the Highlands and Argyll and Bute, which have schemes in the pipeline, but furthest ahead is Edinburgh. Businesses in the capital city must apply a 5% levy to any advance accommodation bookings made for stays on or after 24 July 2026, capped at five nights in a row. That’s expected to raise up to £50 million a year.  

A spokesperson from City of Edinburgh Council explains: ‘Edinburgh is a compact city and part of its appeal is that it is highly walkable, with fantastic hills and green spaces to explore on foot and by bike. One of our objectives is to ensure the levy helps to make the visitor experience more sustainable, for visitors exploring the city and for our communities while walking.’  

In Wales, the Senedd passed a bill in July that would allow councils, if they wish, to introduce a £1.30 per night charge on hotels, B&Bs and self-catered accommodation from 2027. Hostels and campsites can charge adults 75p.  

Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford says: ‘We know tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. We want to ensure its long-term sustainability. That’s why we believe it’s fair that visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience. Visitor levies are common around the world, benefitting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales.’  

In England, there’s currently no primary legislation to let councils introduce levies, but Manchester and Liverpool are already doing this by setting up ‘Business Improvement Districts’. Debates are ongoing about similar schemes elsewhere, including towns in Dorset.  

Not everyone supports visitor levies, including some in the hospitality sector, who fear their impact on bottom lines. Phil Mulligan, CEO of the Peak District National Park Authority, questions whether a levy on overnight stays would be effective and workable in his area. He points to several challenges, including how to gain backing from local businesses, administering the levy and generating enough money – especially as the Peak District crosses 11 council boundaries and most visitors don’t stay overnight.  

But Mulligan is clear on the urgent need for investment. He says: ‘Sustained cuts make it impossible to deliver the standard of services we believe is necessary to successfully manage the more than 20 million visitors we have here each year. ‘The cuts mean there are not as many rangers or volunteers out and about as we would like, and some maintenance and repair work of trails and infrastructure gets delayed or is not possible. We have had to scale back some of our most impactful engagement work with younger people and those from diverse backgrounds who may live close to the national park but do not access it.’  

 

Tourist taxes: part of the solution  

At the Ramblers, we’re determined to ensure that any visitor levies introduced lead to real benefits for walking. Our policy experts are monitoring local proposals and have already responded to several consultations.  

We stress that we need proportionate visitor levies that add to – rather than replace – existing funding. And we continually remind local and national politicians that investing in walking offers truly unbeatable value for public money. It generates tens, or even hundreds of pounds for every pound invested.  

Rachel Mulrenan, the Ramblers’ strategic advocacy campaigns manager, says: ‘It’s fantastic that walking is booming across Britain. As well as making people healthier and happier, walking tourism has a major economic impact, especially important for fragile rural economies. But clearly there are challenges around how Britain invests in walking during an era of tight budgets and cash-strapped councils.  

‘The Ramblers wants to be proactive in helping politicians explore innovative ways to generate investment, so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors. Visitor levies won’t suddenly fix all the issues. But we do think they should be in the mix. They have potential to be part of the solution.’  

During discussions with councils, the Ramblers emphasises that levies will only benefit walkers when they create additional new funding, and that they must feel fair. Rachel adds: ‘Given the huge importance of walking tourism, some money from any levies introduced must be reinvested into outdoor services. Spending on walking pays for itself many times over, so a relatively small investment of any money generated by levies will boost the nation’s health and protect popular paths and visitor sites for years to come.’  

 

Tackling uncertainty  

These are uncertain economic times in Britain. Yet, as Benjamin Franklin famously said: ‘Nothing is certain except death and taxes.’  

Although funding models will hopefully be far from all our thoughts during our rambles, they’re essential to preserving walking for future generations. It’s early days, but visitor levies show some potential as a new funding solution that helps ensure everyone gets to experience the simple joy of exploring quality paths, in properly cared-for landscapes.