B1 — Intermediate
The UK government plans to allow a tourist tax on overnight stays by 2029. It will apply to hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.
The tax may be up to 5% of the stay’s cost. However, the hospitality industry opposes it. They fear it could reduce tourism and cause thousands of job losses.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the introduction of tourist tax in England.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/englands-tourist-tax-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “tourist tax“ mean? ”The UK government will allow mayors in England to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays before 2029.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “uncapped” mean? “While the charge is uncapped, local leaders, including London’s mayor, expect to keep it under 5% of the total accommodation cost.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to deter” mean? “Furthermore, extra fees might deter both international and domestic travelers and drive them toward destinations without visitor levies.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about the tourist tax in England?
- “While the charge is uncapped, local leaders, including London’s mayor, expect to keep it under 5% of the total accommodation cost.” What is your opinion on this amount? Is it fair?
- Share your thoughts on this, “Experts warn that a 5% tax could reduce tourism spending by 1.8 billion pounds (2.1 billion euros) and destroy nearly 33,000 jobs by 2030.”
- Do you agree or disagree: “Extra fees might deter both international and domestic travelers and drive them toward destinations without visitor levies.”? Explain.
- Would you pay more to visit a country with a tourist tax? Why?