Hospitality Bosses Urge Government to Scrap Holiday Tax Plans Amid Economic Concerns
London, UK - February 13, 2026 - Hospitality and leisure bosses are urging the government to abandon proposals for a tax on holidays in England, citing concerns that it would drain money from local businesses. This plea comes as the UK economy showed modest growth of 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, according to official figures.
Over 200 hospitality and leisure bosses have voiced their opposition to the proposed "modest" tourist tax, or visitor levy, which would allow mayors and local leaders to raise revenue. While some English cities already have similar measures, they are implemented voluntarily by businesses rather than as a local authority tax. Major holiday providers, including Butlin's, Hilton, and Travelodge, have warned the government about the potential negative impact of the tax. "Holidays are for relaxing, not taxing," a representative from the industry stated, according to BBC Business.
The UK economy's growth in the final quarter of 2025 was primarily driven by manufacturing, as the services sector showed no growth during that period, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The economy is estimated to have grown by 1.3% for the whole of 2025, a slight increase from 1.1% the previous year, as reported by BBC Business.
In other news, the US House of Representatives voted to rescind tariffs imposed on Canada last year, a rare bipartisan rebuke of the White House's trade policy. The resolution, which disapproved of the national emergency declared by President Trump to impose the tariffs, passed with a vote of 219 to 211.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to purchase electricity generated by coal, his latest move to boost demand for the fossil fuel. In an executive order signed on Wednesday, Trump directed the US Department of Defence to enter into long-term purchase agreements with coal-fired plants, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Across the Atlantic, the Dutch have been quietly adopting the four-day work week. "Your kids are only young once," said Gavin Arm, co-founder of Amsterdam-based small business Positivity Branding, explaining the appeal of the shorter work week. Arm added that many business owners often "throw themselves into it and work, work, work to try and make it," potentially missing out on important moments in their children's lives, according to BBC Business.
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