Ryanair CEO Warns UK Tourist Levy Will Double Tax Visitors

The Government of the United Kingdom is proposing to grant regional leaders in England the authority to introduce tourist levies on overnight stays as part of a broader devolution drive to shift power from Westminster to local authorities. The government argues that other G7 nations already employ similar visitor levies to fund local economies, including public transport and high streets.

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary criticized the plan during a press conference in London on Wednesday, arguing that the levy would result in holidaymakers being double taxed because they already pay Air Passenger Duty. O’Leary suggested that Ryanair might move its operations to zero-tax destinations in Europe if the proposal is implemented and called for the total abolition of Air Passenger Duty to support the aviation sector.

Hospitality industry leaders have joined the opposition, warning that these uncapped levies could cost the UK tourism sector up to £1.6 billion.