People in the Highlands are to be consulted on levying a tourist tax which could raise over £10million a year for the region. Highland councillors say the money could be used to support infrastructure – such as roads – which are under pressure from the huge numbers of visitors who are attracted to the area each year, and which has soared due to the booming North Coast 500 road trip. plans to start its three-month consultation next week.
It previously sought views in 2019 when it received 6,600 responses from residents, businesses and visitors. The Highlands get more than six million visitors a year – including day trippers, overseas tourists and cruise passengers. On Thursday November 14 the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will consider a report on a potential Visitor Levy for Highland.
This report sets out a proposed outline of how the scheme would operate and seeks members’ approval to undertake a public statutory consultation. The visitor levy has been identified as a priority action within the Council’s Programme ‘Our Future Highland 2022-2027’. Highland Council to begin tourist tax consultation next week Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Tourism is one of our most important sectors and the levy could form an essential part of how we sustain, support and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on.
“We have been engaging with stakeholders and I would like to thank all the individuals and businesses who have taken part t.