tourism tax

HARPA WELCOMES MORE NEW MEMBERS TO STRENGTHEN ITS CAMPAIGNS

Posted on August 4, 2026

WITH HARPA’S MEMBERSHIP continuing to grow, Director General Debbie Walker welcomed a record number of delegates to the association’s annual conference in Westminster this year.

The Holiday and Residential Parks Association reports a steady growth in its membership base this year, reinforcing HARPA’s position as the industry’s largest and most dynamic representative body. Now championing more than 3,000 park enterprises across the UK, the Association is using its mandate from members to lobby across a broad range of issues affecting their businesses.

In recent months, HARPA has voiced to Government the industry’s strong opposition to the so-called “tourism tax” – and seen its opposition to the proposals widely reported in national and regional media. The Association has also sparked debate in Westminster and beyond about the costs and extra admin demands imposed on parks when arranging the movement of abnormal loads.

And across many other matters affecting the ability of parks to achieve their business ambitions – from planning reforms to fairer rates and taxation policies – HARPA engages in active and constructive dialogue with decision-makers about how change can support a sector delivering important economic and social benefits right across the country.

The association is assisted in this work by the success of its Parks Make Places campaign, which highlights how communities across Britain are strengthened by the presence of park businesses. Our case studies show specific examples of how parks generate tourism income, create employment, and enable local people, charities and other community bodies to share in their success.

A recent independent YouGov poll of MPs found that 76% now recognise the social value that holiday and residential parks brings to rural and coastal areas. HARPA is now reinforcing this message through its relationships with new senior Government figures, including the ministers and cabinet members who will be shaping future policies impacting on the parks industry.

HARPA members gain more than becoming part of a strong and influential body leading the way forward for our sector. They also enjoy hands-on support ranging from training programmes and webinars to conferences, a telephone helpline and specialist advice – plus HARPA’s regional branch network where fellow-members have, for more than 75 years, supported each other to reach their goals.

HARPA
01452 526911
www.harpa.org.uk

MP DISCUSSES TOURISM TAX

Posted on November 8, 2024

OUTSIDE ONE OF THE PARK’S luxury woodland lodges are (from left) John Lamont MP, park manager Scott McDonald, and park owner Edward Maitland-Carew.

MP John Lamont visited Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park in the Scottish Borders this August to assess the summer tourism season. As the shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Lamont engaged with park owner Edward Maitland-Carew, site manager Scott McDonald, and Sarah Allanson, Scottish Director of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

The park, popular for its luxury woodland lodges equipped with hot tubs and al-fresco dining, was reported to be having a busy year. Lamont toured the grounds, noting the park’s sustainability efforts, including a ground source heat pump and solar energy for heating and hot water, as well as native tree plantings to support local wildlife.

During his visit, Lamont addressed issues facing Scottish holiday parks, including the proposed “tourism tax,” which would add an extra nightly charge for visitors. The British Holiday & Home Parks Association has strongly opposed this levy, citing concerns about its impact on tourism growth. Maitland-Carew expressed appreciation for Lamont’s visit, highlighting the park’s contributions to local employment and businesses in nearby Lauder.

He emphasized their commitment to providing a memorable guest experience and their plans for future expansion. After the visit, Lamont reiterated the importance of supporting local tourism businesses and urged the Scottish Government to reconsider the tourism tax proposal, warning it could harm the sector.

Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park
www.thirlestanecaravanpark.co.uk

Tourism Tax Is Backward Business Step

Posted on November 3, 2017

Tourism Tax Is Backwards Business Step

Tourism Tax Is Backwards

The owner of a major holiday parks group in Wales has told ministers they risk devastating the visitor economy if they push ahead with a tourism tax.

Thomas Scarrott, owner of Vale Holiday Parks, said that such a move would undermine all the fantastic work done by the Welsh Government to encourage tourism.

Thomas warned that a visitor levy would hit not just accommodation providers such as his seven parks but would also have a damaging knock-on effect on the many businesses which rely on the tourism industry such as pubs, shops, cafes and visitor attractions. “Many of these are smaller family-owned businesses such as Vale Holidays which sustain thousands of jobs throughout Wales,” said Thomas.

“Reported industry figures show that tourism is worth around £5bn to the Welsh economy, with more than 10 million overnight stays being recorded annually.” He highlighted this year’s £5m Visit Wales’ Year of Legends campaign which, he said: “Did a great job in promoting the many different experiences on offer to Wales’ holiday visitors. The only possible consequence of a tourism tax, would be fewer visitors and an additional administration burden on tourism businesses.”

Thomas’s family has been involved with the parks industry for almost 50 years, providing holiday homes to rent and to own, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents. Ministers say they will decide early next year on which of the four possible taxes they would prefer to implement, subject to go-ahead from the UK Government. Meanwhile, the park industry body BH&HPA and many of its park members in Wales are making urgent representations to Welsh ministers and assembly members.