A poll of more than 10,000 Brits from UKHospitality (UKH) revealed 56% were opposed to the tax compared to around a quarter (24%) who were in favour of it.
The trade body outlined how the Government is proposing allowing mayoral authorities in England to impose a holiday tax on the cost of an overnight stay.
Almost half of those surveyed (47%) said they would be less likely to vote for an existing MP if they supported the tax while 5% said it would make them more likely to back them.
Concerns raised
Furthermore, nearly three quarters (73%) said the tax would stop them holidaying in England, reduce the number of trips they take or reduce how much they can spend while on the trips.
More than a third (39%) said they would be more likely to holiday abroad instead, with the figure rising to 48% among the highest-income households.
UKH previously raised serious concerns about the proposal, describing it as the “wrong policy at the worst time”.
In March, the trade body warned imposing the holiday tax would shrink GDP, cause thousands of job losses and see the Treasury lose hundreds of millions in tax revenue.
Wake up call
UKH chief executive Allen Simpson said: “This polling should be a wake up call for every MP tempted to back the holiday tax.
“It is opposed by a majority of their constituents, it would deter millions from holidaying in England and it would hit hardest the very families the Government says it wants to help.
“In her Spring Statement, the Chancellor said being able to pay for a holiday should never be too much to ask but this tax puts a holiday out of reach for many.
“Voters are nearly 10 times more likely to punish their MP for backing a tax than to thank them for it.
“That is a political signal no MP should ignore. The public’s verdict is clear and decisive - stop the holiday tax. Let’s keep holidays relaxing, not taxing.”
