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Good evening. Paying a tourism tax abroad is accepted with minimum fuss, seen as a normal part of holiday costs. Yet, Manchester’s
decision to introduce a tax for overnight visitors- the first city in the UK to do so- has led to criticism with some saying they
will never return. Overnight guests in city centre hotels or holiday apartments have been told they will have to pay £1 a night,
per room, as part of the new scheme which should lead to an extra £3m a year in the city’s coffers. In many foreign destinations a
nominal fee is usually added to your hotel bill or your travel tickets, and in most cases the money goes towards improving
facilities in the local area for tourists and for residents. The practice is predicted to become increasingly widespread around
the world, ostensibly to raise funds that can help mitigate the often negative effects of tourism. Some view it as a controversial
move, but others have seen the direct benefit of having a tourism tax. In Valencia, the tax has been used to provide affordable
housing, in Greece it has been used to reduce national debt and in Barcelona the contribution by tourists is used to support
infrastructure including roads. “Tourism taxes can help us protect the places we love,” Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of
Responsible Travel, has previously said. “When we travel, we become temporary residents in someone else’s home. We use their
public services, facilities and infrastructure - it’s only fair we pay towards that,” he added.
Nazia Parveen
Assistant travel editor
Nazia Parveen
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Story of the week
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Manchester’s £1-a-night tourist tax comes into force. Read more
Our travel picks of the week
1
Bank holiday | Eight great trips for the long bank holiday weekends. Read more
2
Train | ‘Travel back in time’: six of Britain’s best heritage railways. Read more
3
Ireland | 10 of the best seaside hotels. Read more
Featured Trip
Norfolk – Royal Sandringham and the Broads
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There’s no time like spring to discover this town and the vast tulip fields nearby. Your five-day tour will include a scenic boat
cruise on the Broads and a visit to Royal Sandringham Estate.
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In other news
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Nepal imposes ban on mountain trekking without a guide.
Read more
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This week's favourite trips
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Seville, Granada and classic Spain
Journey through Spain with day trips to Granada, the glorious City of Flamenco Seville, and the enchanting hill-top town of Ronda,
above its famous Gorge.
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The Royal Caledonian
Take to the tracks with a remarkable train journey to the Scottish Highlands, with visits to Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk
church, and expertly guided tours to Edinburgh and Inverness.
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Amsterdam and the Dutch Bulbfields
Embark on the ultimate long weekend getaway with this river cruise, combining beautiful villages, stunning floral vistas, and the
vibrant energy of one of Europe's top cities.
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Readers tips
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‘The chateau is screensaver material’: readers’ favourite long weekend trips.
Read more
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Deal of the week
South Africa: Walking and wildlife: Save £100pp
Experience South Africa’s awe-inspiring nature and wildlife as you hike through forests and mountains, on the lookout for
elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and much more.
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Image of the week
The ‘visual feast’ of the Kusttram line runs along the length of the Belgian coast.
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