3 Top Reasons to Make York More Sustainable Right Now
Introduction
York, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful and ancient cities, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and attracts nearly 9 million visitors annually. Tourism significantly contributes to our city’s economy but imposes substantial pressures on infrastructure, the environment, and residents’ quality of life. So, how can we make York more sustainable?
Implementing a Tourist Levy in York offers an opportunity to balance the substantial benefits of tourism with its inevitable challenges, ensuring York remains a vibrant and sustainable destination.
Make York More Sustainable: The Case for a Levy
Tourism has transformed cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, prompting them to introduce
levies to manage the overwhelming numbers of visitors while maintaining the quality of life for residents.
Implementing a Tourist Levy would make York more sustainable. A levy could fund essential public services, environmental conservation, and infrastructure maintenance, securing the City of York’s long-term sustainability. It would also encourage higher-value tourism, shifting focus from quantity to quality, resonating with CYC’s innovative respect campaign.
York’s Tourism in Context
With a population of approximately 210,000 residents, York’s annual visitor count of 8.9 million creates a
peak tourist-to-resident ratio of 43:1. This influx strains public services, increases waste, and contributes
to the degradation of York’s historical sites, threatening its status as a globally admired destination.
Comparative Tourism Data: York and Other Cities
Environmental Impacts of Tourism
Tourism contributes significantly to:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Increased transportation, waste generation and increases pollution
- Waste Management Strain Council resources are over-stretched to manage the increased volumes of litter
- Heritage Conservation Challenges Overcrowding accelerates wear on historical sites like York Minster and The Shambles.
Key Benefits of a Levy
- Environmental Sustainability
Tourism significantly impacts York’s environment with congestion, increased waste, and air pollution topping the concerns. Revenue from a tourist levy could make York more sustainable through:
- Improved waste management.
- Enhanced public transport systems.
- Conservation efforts for historical landmarks.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life for Residents
Tourism’s impact on housing and public services often creates tension between residents and visitors.
Levy funds would make York more sustainable and would support:
- Affordable housing projects.
- Preservation of historical and cultural sites.
- Maintenance of clean and accessible public spaces.
3. Economic Resilience
Targeting fewer but higher-spending visitors could also help to make York more sustainable. Cities like Amsterdam and Venice have shown that levies often increase per capita spending, leading to better quality tourism.
Potential Revenue Generation
A levy of £2 per overnight stay could generate:
- £3.4 million annually based on York’s 1.7 million overnight visitors
- Over five years, this would amount to £17million, which could be reinvested in infrastructure, environmental projects, and public services.
Alternatively, a £5 entry fee for day-trippers could yield Up to £35 million annually - assuming half of York’s remaining visitors (around 7 million) pay the fee.
Implementation and Collection
Levy Application Options
- Accommodation Tax: a fixed charge added to hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb stays.
- Entry Fee: Collected at key entry points, targeting day-trippers.
Collection Methods
- Accommodation Providers: Adding the levy at booking or check-in.
- Digital Platforms: Integrating the charge into online booking systems
- Tourist Apps: Offering seamless payment options for visitors.
A ULEZ for York
Implementing an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) could make York more sustainable, complementing a tourist levy by:
- Reducing vehicle emissions through charges on high-polluting vehicles entering the city centre.
- Generating additional revenue. For instance, if 10% of vehicles entering York annually (approximately 120,000) paid a £12.50 daily charge, it could yield £1.5 million per year.
Comparison with Other Cities
Case Study: Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s 7% room tax plus €3 per night fee increased overall revenue without significantly reducing
visitor numbers. The funds have been used to support public services and environmental initiatives.
Case Study: Barcelona
Barcelona’s €4.95 nightly tax has allowed the city to:
- Reduce visitor numbers slightly, improving crowd management.
- Enhance tourist satisfaction through better infrastructure and services.
Risks of Inaction
Without implementing a levy, York risks:
- Overcrowding, straining public services and diminishing visitor satisfaction.
- Environmental Degradation: Increased emissions, waste, and damage to historic landmarks.
- Resident Dissatisfaction: Rising housing costs, congestion, and reduced quality of life.
Encouraging Regional Tourism
A levy could also redistribute tourism throughout Yorkshire, benefiting areas like:
- Harrogate: Renowned for its spa culture and gardens.
- Whitby: A seaside destination with historic charm
- Yorkshire Dales: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Developing transport links and promotional packages would encourage visitors to explore beyond York,
alleviating pressure on the city while spreading economic benefits.
Political Support for a Levy
On 15 January 2025 Rachael Maskel MP raised the issue of tourism’s strain on local services during Prime
Minister’s Questions. She advocated for a £2 overnight levy, estimating it could generate £3.4 million
annually to fund heritage preservation and tourism costs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that local councils have the option to implement voluntary levies although broader governmental support remains limited.
Conclusion
York’s status as one of the world’s most beautiful and ancient cities hinges on its ability to balance tourism with sustainability. A tourist levy offers a pragmatic solution to:
Mitigate environmental impacts.
Enhance residents’ quality of life.
Ensure that visitors contribute fairly to the upkeep of the city they admire.
The levy is not a deterrent but a safeguard to York’s future as a thriving destination, preserving its unique heritage for generations to come. Now is the time for York to act decisively, securing its position as a global icon of history, culture, and sustainability.
Let’s make York more sustainable!
