The government has just given councils the right to levy a nightly tax on short let stays – but one Labour mayor appears happy to work with Airbnb to benefit her local economy.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, praised the platform in a celebration of the UK City of Culture 2025 in Bradford. 

Following Airbnb’s partnership with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, which included a £100,000 investment by the platform, Brabin says visitor activity linked to stays booked through Airbnb contributed to an estimated £12.9m in direct economic impact to the region. Searches for Airbnb accommodation in Bradford were up 20% in the first half of 2025 year on year, with the number of guest nights projected to be up by 8,000 compared to 2024. 

Luke Impett, External Affairs and Partnerships Lead, Airbnb says “We’re proud to have been the official accommodation provider for Bradford 2025 in line with our commitment to support the best of British events, stays and attractions. Airbnb stays are vital in sustaining the tourism that the UK City of Culture programme has unlocked and driven almost £12.9m into the city already. As we look beyond 2025, we’re committed to ensuring this momentum continues, creating lasting benefits for communities across Bradford and West Yorkshire.”

And Mayor Brabin adds: “Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025 has shown the world what we already know – that West Yorkshire is a place of extraordinary creativity, talent and ambition. This new data shows the real economic opportunities that cultural tourism brings. We’ll keep building on this momentum to ensure a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire, where the benefits of growth, investment and regeneration are felt in every community.”