Is it time for a tourist tariff in London? That’s the question that this week’s London Assembly meeting will consider. London is projected to attract 40m overnight visitors a year by 2025 – up by 30% from 31.2m in 2016.
A tourism levy is a small charge on accommodation and can be earmarked to support culture and tourism. New York, Paris and Berlin already use one and it could potentially raise £91m-364m a year, says the Assembly.
The London Assembly Economy Committee will also discuss the current state of the London economy and the work of London & Partners.
It will ask how will London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional agency, ensure that London continues to attract tourists?
The Committee will also question London’s Chief Digital Officer, Theo Blackwell.
The London Assembly comprises 25 elected politicians. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.