North East Mayor Kim McGuinness (Image: Kevin Gibson Photography/Nicky Rogerson(Gibson) , KG Photography & Bank Studio.)

A so-called "tourist tax" will that will allow mayors to re-invest in their areas has been welcomed. Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor is among those around England to back the move, set to be announced in Wednesday's Budget, and said this would herald a "new era of events and festivals".

Mayors across the country will be given the power to set a levy on overnight stays in their region - and the money raised could be used as the local leaders see fit to re-invest in areas such as transport, infrastructure and the tourist economy. This formed part of the platform on which the North East Mayor Ms McGuinness ran when elected in 2024.

The announcement has been m

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