Tourist tax at UK national museums would be 'ideologically at odds' with global collections, says new report

A report from the Cultural Policy Unit warns that charging international visitors at UK museums would be logistically complex and counter to the UK's commitment to global access to its collections. Former British Museum director Mark Jones advocated for a £20 admission fee for overseas visitors, suggesting a need for resource generation. However, Victoria and Albert Museum director Tristram Hunt cautioned that admission fees lead to reduced visitor numbers, thus impacting ancillary revenues. The report emphasizes that the UK's free admission policy is vital for national education and soft power, and charging could damage its global reputation.

Britain holds its national collections for the world, not just its own residents. Opening them up to the world is part of our 'soft power', and there would be reputational damage to the UK if we reversed this.

Visitor numbers fall significantly with the charging of admissions fees, affecting knock-on spending in museum shops and catering. The Treasury has a nasty habit of lowering public funding as it sees self-generated income growing.

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