UK beaches may have a new tax for tourists in the near future.

There has been talk of potential price hikes in the beautiful coastal town of Broadstairs. It seems that the local government is considering implementing a tax on tourists to protect the beloved beaches from the harmful effects of an influx of visitors.

If this proposal is approved, it could mean that individuals looking to enjoy a peaceful day trip to popular Kent seaside destinations, such as Margate, Broadstairs, and Minnis Bay, may have to pay a new tourism tax imposed by the Thanet District Council. Some ideas being explored include an additional council tax on second homes and a small fee for overnight stays.

During a recent meeting, the committee suggested implementing a tax on overnight stays in the county, as well as raising the council tax on holiday rentals. This idea is not new, as cities like Venice and Lisbon have already put a similar tax in place to help cover the added expenses of accommodating large numbers of tourists.

According to a report from the meeting, the council is actively looking for ways to increase revenue from the tourism industry in order to balance out the costs incurred by the council. This is a tricky situation, as on one hand, they want to encourage a thriving visitor economy, but on the other hand, they are aware of the financial strain that visitors can bring.

The proposal also includes the possibility of offering paid facilities, such as beach huts with overnight accommodations, to generate more income. Thanet is a popular destination for many, as shown by the 330,200 overnight stays recorded by Visit Kent last year. Additionally, 680 businesses in the county rely on tourism to stay afloat, according to Kent County Council.

Conservative leader Cllr Reece Pugh has expressed support for this proposal, stating that it is a step in the right direction and will benefit the community. He also emphasized the importance of consulting with businesses that heavily rely on tourism. He wants to ensure that any potential gains from the tax do not outweigh the benefits that tourism brings to the area.

Fellow Conservative councillor John Davis has also welcomed the idea of levying higher fees on second homes and short-term rentals like Airbnb. He believes this will help address the issue of affordable housing in the area, as there are currently 866 homes for short-term rental and only 21 flats available. This has resulted in people being relocated to other areas for temporary housing and an overwhelming number of individuals on the housing list. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

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