Tax increase will halt staycation boom, holiday park chief warns
A YORKSHIRE’S MP has pledged that the Government will work to protect Britain’s holiday parks industry after being warned that potential tax increases could undermine the tourism sector.
Julian Smith, the MP for Skipton and Ripon, witnessed the importance of holiday parks during a visit to Riverside Caravan Park, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, where he met the owner of the family business, Thomas Marshall.
Mr Smith paid tribute to the multi-award winning park, which is located near High Bentham, on reaching its 50th anniversary, and was also briefed about its plans for the holiday season next year.
Mr Marshall, who congratulated Mr Smith on his victory in this month’s General Election, said that his family had invested substantially in Riverside throughout this year. His projects have
included a £1.5m development of new luxury lodges and glamping facilities.
However, he voiced concern that there should be no imposition of a tourism tax, which is being discussed in other regions of Britain, as it would be “entirely self-defeating”.
Mr Marshall also warned that the recent rises in vehicle excise duty on motorhomes could put the brakes on the staycation boom which has benefitted UK tourism in recent years.
Mr Smith maintained that the Government recognised the benefits which the UK’s tourism industry brings to national and regional economies as well as employment, and would liaise closely with businesses.
The VisitBritain tourism agency predicts overseas visitors will spend £26.6bn in the UK in 2020, up from £25bn this year.
Mr Marshall is now the national vice-chairman of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, which has almost 3,000 parks in its membership.
During his visit, the MP congratulated Mr Marshall on being elected to a senior leadership role with the body which represents Britain’s £9bn holiday parks industry.