High hotel prices are damaging UK tourism

Rocketing hotel prices are damaging the UK's tourism industry, according to the authors of the 2008 Good Hotel Guide, published today.

UK hotels have become the most expensive in Europe and are among the most expensive in the world, creating "serious concerns" among both domestic and foreign tourists, they warned.

Desmond Balmer, editor of the guide, said: "Our readers often comment on how much more expensive it is to stay in Britain than continental Europe.

"This is backed by our experience. The average cost of an anonymous overnight inspection of a hotel, including dinner for two with wine, as well as bed and breakfast, is close to £200."

Balmer admitted that that rising property prices, increasing council tax and the highest level of VAT in Europe had all put UK hotels at a disadvantage.

The guide also criticises the industry's attitude towards children, claiming hotels continue to treat them as "second-class citizens", with one in four having some form of age restriction on children.

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By Daniel Thomas

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