A DECISION has been made to delay the controversial tourist tax in BCP until September.

In response to the recent appeal from BCP hoteliers, against the introduction of the levy, the Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) has made the decision to postpone the introduction of the tax.

It comes after hoteliers earlier this week questioned the ballot process, saying it was 'rushed through.'

Rosie Radwell, chair of BCP ABID, said in a statement: "As with any new and innovative project, questions and anomalies arise that need to be addressed to achieve the Accommodations BID's goal: ensuring Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole remains a top visitor destination in the UK.

"We recognise the diversity of accommodation providers within our area, each with unique business models and clientele.

"While an appeal has been submitted, and it is inappropriate to comment in detail here, we remain confident in the integrity of the ballot and its adherence to the regulations.

"The Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole ABID, the first Coastal Accommodation BID in the country, is pioneering the way for destinations like ours.

"This process has been challenging due to the diverse range of hotels in the area, and finding a 'one size fits all' solution has been complex.

"We are actively listening to accommodation providers and considering their feedback all the time.

"Many accommodation providers, regardless of their stance on the Accommodation BID, would prefer to delay the levy collection arrangements until the appeal result is determined.

"Taking this feedback into consideration, the ABID Board met today and voted to delay levy collection until the outcome of the appeal, expected by the end of September 2024.

"We have written to all ABID Accommodation Providers informing them of the decision, detailing exactly how this will work and would like to take this opportunity to highlight that it is only the levy collection arrangements and the visitor charge that are being paused whilst the appeal is determined.

"This does not affect the validity of the ABID or the need for the important work that it will carry out."

Rosie added: "This decision reflects our commitment to flexibility and our responsiveness to the voices of accommodation providers in the area.

"Once resolved, we will ensure all relevant processes are in place to make the Accommodation BID a driving force for positive change in our area."

Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said:

“We continue to work alongside our ABID accommodation providers in BCP as they develop the introduction of a levy, and the council supports the ABID Board in their efforts to enhance the destination’s tourism offering.

“Enabling the community to have greater say in growing the local visitor economy remains fully aligned to the Council’s Corporate Plan strategic aims and objectives.”

A spokesperson for the hotels supporting the appeal said: 

"While we welcome the ABID Board's recent announcement to suspend the collection of the accommodation levy until the widely supported appeal process has been concluded, it is disappointing that this course of action was not taken sooner.

 "Requests for the delay were made by a significant number of hotels weeks ago, and despite the support of BCP Council, who confirmed they thought it a sensible course of action, the ABID Board had until now refused to delay the planned start date of July 1.

"This U-turn comes less than 48 hours after the ABID Board's previous statement that hotels must start collecting the visitor charge just two days before the planned start date. The announcement comes far too late for many hotels who, on the advice of the ABID Board, have already incurred costs involved in contacting guests with advance bookings to advise them of a visitor charge that they will now not be required to pay.

 "Many hotels have no confidence in the ABID Board. Contrary to the claim that the ABID Board is ‘actively listening,’ they feel completely ignored by the ABID Board, which refuses to engage with them or even respond to simple requests for information."