A Visitor Levy In Scotland Looks Almost Certain As The Bill Passes The First Stage

24th December 2023

Photograph of A Visitor Levy In Scotland Looks Almost Certain As The Bill Passes The First Stage

MSPs on a Holyrood committee have backed calls for the introduction of a visitor levy in local authorities, and have said that it would be 'unlikely' to deter tourists.

Also known as the tourist tax, the legislation would allow councils to introduce an overnight accommodation levy - which Highland Council has been in support of.

Publishing its stage one report, the parliament's local government, housing and planning committee said that it was "unlikely that the introduction of a levy in certain local authority areas, assuming a relatively modest rate, would have a deterrent effect on visitor numbers and therefore on the visitor economy in Scotland".

The Scottish Government estimates that the potential income raised by a Visitor Levy across Scotland could range from £17 million to £118 million, depending on how many local authorities decide to introduce a levy and what rate they choose to set.

[url=https://sp-bpr-en-prod-cdnep.azureedge.net/published/2023/9/4/188fd140-9ade-4984-b2ef-812cb51bd118/SB%2023-33.pdf]For more information go HERE[/url]
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