Forum Topic

A tourist tariff for Trump?

I see that 5.2 million US tourists visit the UK each year. Might we consider levying a tourist tariff of $200 per visit? It would remind them of the direct impact of Trump’s actions. Nick🙂

Nicholas Evans ● 22d5 Comments

Was discussing with some London tour guides the difficulty of pro and anti US visitors arguing on tour groups. Apparently seminars are being runing about how to deal with it! Trump has generated a lot of divisive hate in the US.

Michael Ixer ● 22d

Assuming they are leaving by plane - they will be charged Air passenger duty which is included in the ticket.Personally I think that targeting individuals because of disagreements with their government is wrong. Thankfully when visiting other countries I have not experienced negative feelings based on our government's behaviour."In 2023, the UK welcomed a record 5.1 million visits from the USA. During the travellers’ visits, their total expenditure was a record £6.3 billion, with an average spend of £1,222 per visit."https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/inbound-markets/united-states-america-usa

Ed Robinson ● 22d

Hello Nick,While I agree it is a tempting idea, I think the levy you propose will damage UK businesses, its economy and consumers.I really dislike Trump's tariffs enormously and I think a way of reacting to them is by not buying US goods and selling our steel soewhere else, if at all possible.

Ivonne Holliday ● 22d

John, but surely it would encourage more non-American and homegrown tourists. Wouldn’t it? Might relieve the congestion on Putney Bridge.

Nicholas Evans ● 22d

Mr Evans'I see that 5.2 million US tourists visit the UK each year. Might we consider levying a tourist tariff of $200 per visit? It would remind them of the direct impact of Trump’s actions'.Perhaps firstly run that past The Dorchester, Premier Inn, Pizza Express, The Hard Rock Cafe, The Tower of London, The London Eye........

John Hawkes ● 22d