When it comes to other UK destinations adopting similar methods, Sarah is an advocate. “With councils all over the country having to make quite drastic cuts to local funding, I think we’re going to see more and more of this type of tax,” she said, “It’ll help maintain certain areas that need it, particularly in tourist areas which always come under strain in summer months.”
Indeed, while it is not applicable to the whole area and is just an admission fee for the attraction itself, Brighton Pier is now charging visitors £1 ($1.32) to walk along the historic landmark. Although local residents and children under the age of two will be exempt, the millions of guests that flock to the East Sussex seaside resort each year will be expected to pay.
Helen Campbell, a 46-year-old author and coach from the nearby town of Worthing, notes how the new charges will impact her and her partner, “Playing on the Dolphin Derby or the 2p machines on Brighton Pier is so much fun, and something my girlfriend and I enjoy. We live nearby but not close enough to benefit from the residents’ card. I’m in favor of raising money for the pier, but taxing us every time we want to walk on it feels discouraging. While I can see that the pier needs investment, I suspect the fee might put some visitors off and negatively impact footfall.”
She concludes, “I think we need to increase accessibility and inclusion to attractions and landmarks, but I appreciate it’s challenging to come up with innovative ways to raise money in such tricky times.”
Likewise, 43-year-old local Corinne Card highlights the impact the charges will have on families. “The issue comes when people have a lot of kids—if they’re over two, the amount will soon add up.”
She also says that the whole time the attraction is free, it invites visitors to explore and spend money in other ways that they might not do if there is a charge.“I’m not sure it’ll be as successful as people think,” she explains, “because so many people go for a walk and then end up spending money on the 10p machines, the soft play for kids or even a bag of fish and chips.”
Meanwhile, Brighton-based 24-year-old PR and communications executive Anna Kiff says that the reaction to these types of fees depends on the amount being charged, “In the case of the Brighton Pier, which is something tourists like to check off when they visit, I don’t think £1 ($1.32) is going to be off-putting. The pier is a landmark and requires upkeep. It sees heavy footfall all year round, especially in the summer. The boost should also provide an additional income for the pier staff and ensure the attraction stays looking at its best.”
Anna points out that if other Brighton landmarks such as the Pavilion Gardens were to adopt similar charges, this could have a negative impact on locals and visitors.
“It’s a regular spot to sit and eat lunch and is near the Lanes. If this were to become ticketed as part of the Royal Pavilion itself, it would not go down well, as it functions as a community space as well as a tourist attraction.”
At the moment, it is unclear whether other UK spots will roll out tourist taxes.
This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
