AMERICAN PSYCHO **** (until 21 March ) at the Almeida Theatre, London entertaining but very violent…
TA Weekly Update – 19th February 2026
In this newsletter:
- Data
- OVL News
- The Times – Chief Scout Warns Tourist Tax Could Stop Children’s Camps
- Heritage Day 2026
From Eddy Leviten, Executive Director
Back after a short break with the news you all want to read that isn’t Sandringham related. No sweat.
Thank you to members who responded on the OVL consultation which was submitted ahead of the deadline. This is a big issue for our sector and, in many respects, the hard work starts now as we use the window between consultation and Government response to meet stakeholders, politicians, and officials to put our views across and also to discuss what an implemented OVL should look like (a best possible version for businesses and consumers). Our Tourism Tax report will also add to the discussion and evidence base (published soon).
The Parliamentary Reception on 18th March is shaping up well. We have confirmed Steph Peacock to speak as well as Nigel Huddleston and we are getting good responses from MPs and Peers.Tickets for Tourism Insights 2026 are on sale and this also includes an invite to the Reception. If you want to be part of the conversation make sure you get your tickets.
Thanks also to members who responded to the Membership Survey. Your answers and comments have been collated and formed the basis of a Board strategy session this week where the agenda and priorities for the TA in 2026 and beyond are being set. Next step is to take the work to the Advisory Council for sign off and then to publish to the wider membership.
Eddy
Data
Inbound Flight Searches – January 2026
(Source: VisitBritain / ForwardKeys)
- UK demand -2% YoY
- Long haul -12% (USA down sharply; China only growth market)
- Short haul +9% (Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany, France driving growth)
- Ireland +13% vs UK -2%
Scotland leading growth; London the only top city declining
OVL News
The Times View – Tourist Taxes Should Not Hit Organisations Benefiting Young People
(18 February 2026)
- Argues for exemptions within proposed English visitor levy.
- Warns marginal cost increases hit lower-income domestic groups most.
- Calls out youth organisations and charity-run accommodation specifically.
- Notes hospitality sector opposition and existing pressure from VAT-free shopping abolition.
Here the levy is framed as socially regressive rather than just anti-business.
Tourist taxes should not hit organisations benefiting young people
The Times – Chief Scout Warns Tourist Tax Could Stop Children’s Camps
(18 February 2026)
Key developments:
- Dwayne Fields, UK Chief Scout, publicly calls for a national exemption for:
- Under-18 overnight stays
- Charity-run hostels, campsites, activity centres and meeting places
- Warns levy could apply even to scout hut sleepovers.
- Hospitality businesses warn a £2 per night levy could add £100+ to a two-week family break.
Government response in article: no final decisions; exemptions under consideration; levy likely percentage-based rather than flat rate.
Letter:
Hotel tax on scouts
Sir, Camping and nights away are vital to building young people’s resilience and confidence and skill development. Given that 70 per cent of young people spend most of their free time on screens, this precious time away is more important than ever.
However, the proposed visitor levy on overnight stays in England will have a negative impact on scout residentials (“Tourist tax ‘will deter travellers from UK’ ”, news, Feb 2). Accommodation for youth development falls within the scope of the levy despite it being run for a charitable purpose by volunteers on minimal budgets
This planned legislation risks putting these experiences out of reach of the young people who need it most. The levy would even extend to scout groups holding sleepovers at their own HQ. We call for a national exemption for overnight stays for under-18s and charity-run hostels, campsites, activity centres and meeting places. We are sure our legislators did not intend to stop cubs from Hackney going to camp in Epping Forest or explorer scouts from Manchester sleeping under the stars in the Cumbrian fells.
Dwayne Fields
Chief scout
Should Labour ditch hated holiday tax?
Heritage Day 2026
Join The Heritage Alliance on 4 March 2026 at One Great George Street in Westminster for its annual flagship event, Heritage Day. This year the event explores how Heritage Connects — building bridges between communities, people and places, from local traditions to international collaboration.
Heritage Day brings together heritage leaders, professionals and volunteers from across the sector. More than a conference, it is a unique forum to hear from decision-makers, gain practical insight, and build meaningful connections. It is where relationships are formed, policy is discussed, and the future direction of UK heritage is shaped.
The Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross will address the sector, and the keynote will be delivered by Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, new Co-Chief Executives of Historic England. The day will include the presentation of the Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards for excellence in volunteering, and the launch of our new International Report with Europa Nostra UK and the World Monuments Fund.
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