Tourists planning a staycation in Scotland may soon face an additional charge, as the country considers implementing a new “daily” tourist tax. Members of the Scottish Parliament are set to vote on the proposed Visitor Levy Bill, which would enable local authorities to impose a charge on accommodation services such as hotels, B&Bs, and holiday lets.
Under the proposed legislation, tourists would be charged £1 per room, per night, with estimates suggesting it could generate £2.8 billion in its inaugural year. However, the potential introduction of the tourist tax has sparked mixed reactions from industry experts and accommodation providers.
Marc Crothall, representing the Scottish Tourism Alliance, emphasized the widespread impact of tourism on various sectors, expressing concerns about the potential negative effects of the tax on trade. Crothall highlighted the importance of tourism to businesses across different industries, including florists, plumbers, and joiners, suggesting that the proposed levy could pose challenges for accommodation providers who would be tasked with collecting and remitting the charge to local authorities.
Ollie Hughes, owner of the Ben Cruachan guesthouse in Edinburgh, echoed concerns about the impact of the tourist tax on businesses, suggesting that while it may not be detrimental to his establishment, it could spell trouble for others. Hughes criticized the idea of accommodation providers being burdened with the responsibility of collecting taxes, describing it as a penalizing measure rather than a civic duty.
Despite the reservations expressed by some, the City of Edinburgh Council is reportedly supportive of the proposed tourist tax, with council leader Cammy Day emphasizing the need for additional revenue to address the growing demands on city services. Day highlighted the significant influx of tourists to Edinburgh, particularly during festival seasons, noting the strain it places on local infrastructure and resources.
As the debate over the implementation of the tourist tax continues, tourists planning visits to Scotland from England may need to factor in the potential additional cost associated with their accommodation, pending the outcome of the parliamentary vote.
