Manchester’s new so-called ‘tourist tax’ has raised nearly £3 million during its first year, it has been revealed.
In case you weren’t aware, on 1 April 2023, after widespread rumours and following a vote in favour of the new initiative back in autumn 2022, a ‘City Visitor Charge’ was officially introduced here in Manchester, and it means that anyone visiting has to pay to stay in the majority of the city’s accommodation facilities.
The City Visitor Charge is a supplementary £1 charge per room/unit per night for guests, and it’s added to the final accommodation bill.
The charge is currently being collected from 73 hotels and serviced apartments that fall within the Manchester ABID Zone.
The Manchester ABID Zone was established as the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID) began its operations on the same date as the introduction of the City Visitor Charge last year, and it’s the first initiative of its kind in the UK.
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Manchester’s new ‘tourist tax’ has raised nearly £3 million in its first year / Credit: Marketing Manchester | Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
The pioneering initiative – which is led by Manchester’s hotel and serviced apartment providers – was formed as part of a push to keep occupancy rates high in the city amid fears that visitor numbers were not keeping pace with new developments, as more and more tourist hotels and apartments are built across the region.
Manchester ABID’s main aim is to “deliver better visitor experiences” and drive more staying visitors to the city centre.
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When the City Visitor Charge was introduced, Manchester ABID said it would use the funds raised to carry out a number of measures in the city that will ultimately contribute to driving tourists and overnight stays – including marketing campaigns, securing large-scale events, conferences, and festivals in low-season months, and improving overall street cleanliness.
And it sounds like that’s exactly what the almost £2.8 million raised from the Charge within its first year has gone towards.
Funds from the Charge have so far been spent on street cleaning, marketing campaigns, and more / Credit: Manchester City Council
Kumar Mishra, who is the chairman of Manchester Accommodation BID, said the raised from the Charge within its first year has funded a campaign to boost stays during “traditionally lower occupancy months”.
Mr Mishra said “big plans” were emerging within the next year to make sure the city centre is even more attractive to visitors.
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AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour
Emily Sergeant
Lorde has announced she’s heading out on a massive world tour later this year, and of course she’s stopping off in Manchester.
The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter undeniably burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 16 with her runaway number one hit ‘Royals’ all the way back in 2013, and has been successfully cementing herself as a household name ever since.
Following her debut single, she has gone on to break several records with the releases of her first three studio albums.
She has also scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way.
Lorde is set to play a massive Manchester gig at the AO Arena later this year / Credit: Supplied
The 28-year-old – who is known and loved for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting – has recently delighted fans by confirming that she’ll be releasing her fourth studio album, titled Virgin, towards the end of next month, and not long after that highly-anticipated release is when you’ll be able to catch her taking to one of Manchester‘s biggest stages.
Fans of the critically-acclaimed pop star will be able to grab tickets to see Lorde when she performs at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of the Ultrasound Tour.
Other major UK cities she’ll be stopping off at include London, Birmingham, and Glasgow – making this a somewhat exclusive ticket to get your hands on.
Tickets are set to go on general sale next week, following several pre-sales in the days leading up to it.
Support for Lorde’s Manchester gig is to come from equally-revered singer-songwriter and record producer, Dev Hynes – better known by his stage name, Blood Orange – who is believed to have lent several co-production credits to Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album.
Fellow producer Jim-E Stack will also provide support in Manchester.
Lorde will be taking to the AO Arena stage here in Manchester on Saturday 15 November, and tickets officially go on general sale next Friday 16 May at 10am.
General sale follows two pre-sales – a Three+ Presale on Wednesday 14 May, followed by an AO Arena-specific Presale on Thursday 15 May, both going on sale again at 10am.
Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale here.
Emily Sergeant -
9th April 2024 
