London Is About to Make Your Visit More Expensive
London Is About to Make Your Visit More Expensive
Zoltangabor/Dreamstime
https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/england/london/experiences/news/london-plans-to-introduce-tourist-tax-on-overnight-stays
It will affect millions of travelers.
Travelers, a trip to London is soon going to cost extra. The English capital is planning a tourist tax on overnight stays at hotels and Airbnbs. It is not yet known how much the tax will be, and it may be months before it is announced.
The change is part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is progressing in the British Parliament. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give devolution powers to local governments to “deliver growth.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been asking for such powers, which would allow local authorities to charge tourist taxes.
London, which recorded 89 million overnight stays in 2024, could raise millions through the fees. Think tank Centre for Cities said London would benefit from a flat-fee or percentage system. A levy could also support the economy and help manage infrastructure without deterring tourists if it is comparable to other cities.
Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, told the BBC, “A tourist levy would benefit the capital’s tourist economy, provided the revenues go to local government–ideally split between City Hall and the boroughs–and are not ring-fenced by central government for specific purposes.”
While the boroughs have supported the move, the hospitality industry is less enthusiastic. Kate Nicholls, chair of U.K. Hospitality, said it will affect British customers who are already paying high VAT. “Customers can vote with their feet, if we tax them out of coming to London, then we will tax the London economy out of jobs, growth and investment,” she noted.
Taxes Increasing Everywhere
Manchester was the first U.K. city to impose a tourist levy in 2023. The charge requires visitors to pay £1 per room, per night. Earlier this year, Liverpool announced a £2 nightly levy to “help turbo charge Liverpool’s tourism and visitor economy, helping the city attract bigger events [that] bring people to the city.” It is expected to generate £9.2 million ($12.33 million) over the next two years.
Edinburgh was the first Scottish city to vote on a 5% levy, which will be implemented next summer. Glasgow has also approved a 5% levy on overnight stays, but it will not take effect until January 2027.
The U.K. is only now catching up to other European destinations that have had tourist taxes for years. Amsterdam has the highest in Europe at 12.5%. Several Spanish destinations also charge visitors due to concerns over overtourism, with some imposing fees of up to €15 per person per day. Venice is testing its day-tripper charge, with peak summer visits costing up to €10 for the day.
Japan, which is also grappling with rising tourist numbers, is taking additional measures to support destinations. Kyoto has introduced a progressive hotel tax, requiring guests at luxury hotels to pay the most next year. Closer to home, Hawaii has increased its lodging tax on accommodations from 10.25% to 11%, effective January 2026.
Should Travelers Start Worrying After the Second Fatal U.S. Jetliner Crash This Year?
UPI / Alamy Stock Photo
https://www.fodors.com/news/news/should-travelers-start-worrying-after-the-second-fatal-u-s-jetliner-crash-this-year
A UPS MD-11 cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing 12.
Investigators are still sifting through the wreckage of a UPS cargo jet that crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Tuesday evening. Officials have confirmed at least 12 fatalities in the accident, including three crewmembers operating the flight.
In an initial briefing, a spokesperson from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared that a jet engine mounted on the wing of the UPS jet, a widebody McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, had detached during the aircraft’s takeoff roll. The jet, loaded with 38,000 gallons of fuel for its long flight to Honolulu, exploded into a fireball upon impact just beyond the end of the runway.
The crash is the second fatal jetliner crash at a U.S. airport in 10 months. On January 29, a PSA Airlines regional jet operating a flight for American Airlines’ regional affiliate American Eagle crashed into the Potomac River on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The NTSB investigation of that accident continues. Accident investigations by the agency can take up to two years, after which a full report with causes and recommendations for improvement are issued.
The NTSB is often regarded as the single source of truth related to an accident under investigation, so it will be some time before the causes of the accident in Louisville will be determined.
The crash happens during a charged moment for the nation’s aviation system. The shutdown of the federal government—now the longest on record—has suspended pay for many federal workers, including those who oversee aviation safety. Air Traffic Control staffing was reportedly part of the investigation into the PSA Airlines crash, and has reached critical levels during the shutdown. DOT officials warned Thursday that they might be forced to close some U.S. airspace and require airlines to reduce their flight schedules to maintain safety.
It’s worth noting there’s no indication that air traffic control staffing or overall staffing at the federal government’s safety regulators might have contributed to the Louisville crash—a crash whose investigation likely won’t be completed for many months.
At first look, the Louisville accident bears a striking resemblance to a 1979 American Airlines crash at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. On May 25 of that year, American Airlines Flight 191 from Chicago to Los Angeles was operated by the trijet McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft, the immediate predecessor to the MD-11 involved in Wednesday’s crash. In the Chicago crash, the wing-mounted engine from the left wing detached during the takeoff roll, severing aircraft control systems. The plane crashed less than a mile from the end of the runway, killing all 271 on board and two on the ground. That crash remains the deadliest aviation accident in the United States.
Because the DC-10 had been involved in several accidents up to that point, the FAA grounded the aircraft for over a month while it determined whether the aircraft’s design was a factor in the accident. Investigators ultimately found that faulty maintenance procedures on the engine were responsible for the accident.
Prior to January, U.S. aviation had enjoyed a multiyear streak without any major aircraft accidents. The last U.S. commercial flight to crash with significant fatalities was Colgan Air Flight 3407 near Buffalo in February 2009. The MD-11 aircraft first entered service in 1990 and has been involved in eleven accidents that rendered the aircraft a total loss. The majority of MD-11s remaining in service are operated by cargo airlines. UPS and FedEx, the largest operators of the aircraft, have announced their intention to retire the type from service in the coming years.
In spite of what appears to be an increase in crashes in 2025, there’s little to suggest that either accident is the result of an overall decline in aviation safety. The NTSB also investigates non-fatal incidents and accidents that receive far less media attention, issuing recommendations that continue to improve the safety of the aviation system for air travelers.
U.S. Warns Against Travel to This Heavily-Touristed African Country
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https://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/tanzania/experiences/news/u-s-warns-against-travel-to-this-heavily-touristed-african-country
Multiple countries have issued travel advisories against traveling to Tanzania.
Travelers are being asked to reconsider their plans to visit a popular safari and beach destination in Africa.
Tanzania in East Africa is known for its great safari opportunities, and adventurers often visit to trek the highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar also attracts sun-seekers in the colder winter months. However, the typically peaceful country is experiencing civil unrest after recent presidential elections sparked protests.
Tanzania held its general election on Oct. 29, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 98% of the vote. She ran with little competition, as one opposition leader was imprisoned and another barred from running. The opposition called it a sham contest, and demonstrations erupted.
During the three-day protests last week, about 700 people were killed, according to the main opposition party, though authorities have not confirmed this. A curfew was announced across the country, and internet services were blocked. Passengers were stranded at airports as domestic flights were canceled and mobile services disrupted.
Reconsider Travel
Governments around the world are cautioning travelers to avoid non-essential travel and to keep a low profile if they are in the country after reports that foreign nationals were detained.
On Nov. 5, the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania posted a security alert stating that the curfew in the capital city has been lifted, but other areas may still be affected. “Movement restrictions and security checkpoints continue in many locations. Foreign nationals may experience increased attention from local security authorities, and there have been reports of temporary detentions.”
The embassy reminded travelers that sharing pictures that cause panic is a criminal offense and that authorities are checking electronic devices. Internet access is not fully restored, and cash and fuel supplies are low.
The U.S. Department of State also updated its travel advisory from Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to unrest, crime, and terrorism. It also warns that LGBTQ+ travelers are being targeted in the country. “Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested, targeted, and harassed. People who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police. People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical exams.”
The advisory recommends that travelers keep a copy of their passport and visa with them and store the originals safely. Travelers should keep a low profile, avoid public displays of affection, and plan for emergencies.
Meanwhile, the U.K. Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the country. In its warning, it said that while things have calmed after deadly protests, they could escalate again. “Groups of tourists have been targeted and detained by local police for allegedly interfering with or inciting anti-government protests,” it adds. Internet and social media services are also disrupted, and supermarkets and hospitals are running low on supplies.
Canada also cautioned against all non-essential travel to Tanzania. Authorities have detained foreign nationals, and any photos or videos on electronic devices deemed sensitive may lead to detainment. It recommends avoiding demonstrations and to “follow the instructions of local authorities, including orders on movement restrictions and the sharing of videos or photos deemed sensitive.”
Additionally, the Netherlands stated that the situation is more stable but that its embassy is closed until further notice, while Czechia said it is monitoring the situation.
If you are in Tanzania, check with your airline to confirm your flight status. Follow local advisories, monitor the situation closely, and register with your government to receive updates.
Budget Season 2026: Why guest data is your most valuable plan
https://insights.shijigroup.com/budget-season-2026-why-guest-data-is-your-most-valuable-planning-tool/
As budgeting season rolls around, it’s easy for hoteliers to fall back on familiar habits: looking at last year’s numbers, trusting gut instincts, or relying on the usual KPIs. But in today’s fast-changing hospitality landscape, planning in a bubble can lead you far off course.
Your guests are already telling you what matters through their reviews, surveys, and everyday feedback. It’s honest, unfiltered, and often eye-opening. Sometimes it confirms your instincts, and sometimes it challenges them. But most importantly, it points to where your money will make the biggest difference.
The cost of assumptions
Hotel teams frequently plan big-ticket upgrades based on internal conversations or executive preferences, only to find the investment fails to move the needle on satisfaction or revenue. Why? Because what hotels think matters to guests doesn’t always align with reality.
A great example comes from Edwardian Hotels London, a collection of 4- and 5-star properties that leveraged technology to gain deeper insight into guest segments. By analyzing feedback from corporate clients, they uncovered declining satisfaction from a key tech account linked to a lack of public workspaces. Acting on these insights, the team redesigned one of their properties to include more shared workspaces, boosting satisfaction, reinforcing corporate loyalty, and creating new business opportunities.
Take some more examples:
* Decor vs. atmosphere
Management decides the lobby feels outdated. Yet guest feedback repeatedly praises the “warm and cozy” design, asking instead for better lighting. The risk? Spending thousands on renovations that guests didn’t want, while ignoring what they actually asked for.
* Menu vs. service
A restaurant revamp is budgeted to refresh the culinary concept. But guest reviews don’t mention the food, they highlight slow service and inattentive staff. Fixing operational workflows or training may be a fraction of the cost, but with exponentially higher impact
* New amenities vs. operational basics
At one Berlin-based boutique hotel, the team used guest survey feedback to A/B test two different mattress types with recent guests. Once they identified the preferred option, they replaced all mattresses accordingly, leading to a clear uptick in satisfaction scores. Stories like this show that while it may be tempting to invest in eye-catching amenities like a gym, spa, or rooftop bar, guest feedback often tells a different story. By truly listening to what guests value most, hotels often discover that focusing on the fundamentals, such as comfort, check-in efficiency, and housekeeping consistency, can deliver faster and more meaningful improvements in satisfaction and loyalty.
* Price vs. perceived value
Concerned about pricing competitiveness, some hotels drop rates. But data often shows that guests are willing to pay more, if certain experience gaps are addressed. Price sensitivity is often a reflection of misaligned value, not cost itself.
* Tech upgrades vs. tech expectations
While budget lines are approved for smart TVs or in-room voice assistants, feedback frequently points to unreliable Wi-Fi, outdated directions, or lack of digital concierge information. Often, guests just want simplicity and clarity.
These mismatches cost more than budget. They erode guest trust and delay ROI.
Budgeting blind spots: The positivity problem
It’s not just about what guests complain about. Equally valuable are the things they praise.
Imagine breakfast is consistently one of the most praised parts of your guests’ stay. But because it isn’t seen as a “problem area,” it slips under the budget radar. Over time, small inconsistencies start to creep in, and so does negative feedback.
Failing to protect and promote what already delights guests is one of the most overlooked opportunities in hotel budgeting.
As guest expectations shift and attention spans shrink, maintaining consistency in guest-loved experiences, whether it’s a popular menu item, standout staff interaction, or local partnership, is essential. These differentiators should be actively preserved, enhanced, and spotlighted in marketing efforts.
From feedback to forecast: A data-driven budget strategy
Budgeting in a guest-centric world means moving from reactive fixes to proactive insights. Here’s how leading hoteliers are making the shift:
1. Diagnose before you design
Don’t assume. Analyze. Reviewing your guest´s reviews, surveys, and sentiment analytics provide a detailed map of guest priorities. Before allocating capital to high-profile projects, validate that those investments are aligned with guest needs.
2. Identify high-impact, low-cost fixes
Small operational changes, like training front-desk staff, adjusting breakfast hours, or switching vendors, often result in outsized gains in satisfaction and review performance. The highest ROI often comes from these overlooked micro-decisions.
3. Focus on the entire guest journey
Ensure that your budget accounts for improvements across the entire experience: pre-stay communications, on-site service, and post-stay follow-up. For example, if reviews point to pre-arrival confusion or post-checkout frustration, that’s a budget signal, not just a service one.
4. Quantify success through review analytics
Guest feedback tools now allow you to measure the impact of changes over time. Use sentiment analysis and reputation scores to evaluate whether investments are shifting guest perception, and then adjust future spend accordingly.
5. Balance innovation with experience gaps
Emerging technologies and amenities can be powerful differentiators, but only when basic expectations are already being met. Use feedback data to ensure foundational experiences (cleanliness, responsiveness, clarity) are strong before layering in innovation.
Rethinking ROI: Reputation over instinct
Guest reviews don’t just reflect experiences, they predict financial performance.
Hotels with stronger review scores consistently achieve higher occupancy, better pricing power, and stronger guest loyalty. According to data from across the industry, review ratings are directly correlated with revenue outcomes, especially when backed by operational improvements that address guest feedback.
And in a world where budgets are being scrutinized more closely than ever, reputation-backed investment is one of the few strategic advantages that grows stronger over time.
Final thought
Guest feedback isn’t noise, it’s your competitive edge. Every comment, rating, and review reveals what truly matters to your guests. As hospitality evolves, success depends on listening and acting on those insights. Turn feedback into focus, data into direction, and reputation into a strategy that keeps you ahead.
DUHC&S | Strategic Hospitality Consulting & Advisory
We transform hospitality and tourism businesses through strategic solutions, operational efficiency, and comprehensive renovation. With over 40 years of experience working with brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Sonesta, we enhance asset value and profitability through:
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