Regulatory and Legal Affairs

💸 The Government is considering a holiday tax in England ahead of the 26 November Budget. Local leaders could apply a levy on accommodation, raising effective consumer rates to 27% with VAT. A 5% levy could cost consumers £518m. Over 89 million overnight trips were made in 2024, totaling 255 million nights. This proposal follows official assurances against a tourism tax, raising concerns about consumer spending and inflation. UKHospitality urges the government to maintain its previous stance.

🗺 Europe, Nov 17, 2025: Europe’s tourism faces challenges with a shrinking customer base due to declining birth rates and an ageing population. Travelers over 65 now represent a significant market, with 40% experiencing disabilities. Rising VAT and city taxes pose additional pressures. In contrast, the U.S. and Japan see growth with competitive pricing. Local funding issues drive new tourism taxes, risking the industry's competitiveness. Industry leaders warn of a potential "Buckaroo moment" from excessive taxation.

💸 Nov 17, 2025, U.S.: A 30% drop in Canadian visits has led to a $5.7B decline in U.S. tourism spending in 2025. Political tensions, trade policies, and new border rules deter Canadians. Tourism-dependent states face economic risks like reduced hotel occupancy and local tax revenue. The U.S. is approaching a $70B travel trade deficit. Efforts to attract Canadians include discounts, as Canadian spending in some towns drops nearly 40%.

🚨 Nov 14, 2025 - Travelers booking via Booking.com and Expedia are targeted by a phishing scam using compromised hotel accounts. Scammers send fake payment-verification requests, urging guests to verify payment to avoid cancellation. Attackers use a ClickFix attack to compromise hotel systems, deploy malware like PureRAT for remote access and credential theft. To stay safe, guests should verify payment requests directly with hotels using official contacts. Avoid trusting email or message requests for payment confirmation.