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Tourists staying in Scotland’s capital Edinburgh will soon face a £2 per night charge, while guests at Disneyland Shanghai have been told they cannot leave without testing negative for Covid-19.
Surging costs and falling demand could have dire consequences for the UK hospitality sector, meanwhile, with up to one-third of businesses potentially closing in early 2023 due to the financial squeeze.
Elsewhere, campaigners have alleged Leeds Bradford airport operated extra night flights during the summer flying season. Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Tuesday (1 November).
Tourists to be taxed to visit Edinburgh in UK first
The Scottish capital is set to become the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax. The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed plans for a £2 per person per night tax, which will be limited to seven nights, for all paid accommodation except campsites. The money could be used to fund bin collections and the maintenance of parks. (The Times)
Visitors unable to leave Shanghai Disneyland without negative Covid test
Tourists visiting Shanghai Disneyland in China have been told they cannot leave the theme park until they can provide a negative Covid test result. The park is the latest venue to shut its gates due to China’s strict zero-Covid policy. (Various)
More than a third of UK hospitality firms ‘could go bust by next year’
More than one-third of UK-based hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants and pub, could go bust by early next year as energy bills surge and bookings fall, according to a new survey by industry bodies. (The Guardian)
British tourist dies after falling ill on Portugal beach
A British man has died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest while on a beach in Portugal’s Algarve region. The 55-year-old felt unwell after getting out of the sea at Praia dos Alemaes beach in Albufeira. (The Independent)
Leeds Bradford broke night flights rule, say campaigners
An action group has complained that Leeds Bradford airport broke operating rules by running 600 more night flights than agreed during the 2022 summer season. Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport said these extra flights took place between March and October. (BBC News)
Holidaymakers hooked on ‘daring’ new travel trend
More than one-third of UK holidaymakers are now booking their flights on the day of departure as they look for a “more spontaneous” type of travel. Britons are apparently leaving it to the very last-minute to choose their destination. (The Telegraph)
