Tourist tax would be 'wrong move at the wrong time', says Douglas hotelier

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 06:16

General manager of Welbeck Hotel says idea should be dismissed

Introducing a tourist tax would be the 'wrong move at the wrong time', according to a local hotelier.

A new report from Visit Isle of Man, looking at the viability of such a levy, will be put before Tynwald later this month.

Barcelona, Paris and Rome were among the places named in the report whose taxes range from €2-16 for campsites to palaces.

Meanwhile Amsterdam has a 12.5% tax on all hotels, B&Bs and rentals.

As part of its report Visit Isle of Man says it's been speaking with the Island's hospitality and tourism industry.

But Lucy George, General Manager of the Welbeck Hotel in Douglas, says such a tax could force it to close:

Other Island residents have given the idea the thumbs down, whilst visitors have said it could impact their decision to come back.

You can read the report in full here.

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