Visitors to Scotland – and anyone holidaying at home – will soon be required to pay a new tax. The so-called ‘visitor levy’, passed by MSPs earlier this year , gives local authorities the power to add a charge on top of the cost of stays in hotels like mine, B&Bs and other overnight accommodation. Edinburgh is expected to be the first Scottish city to introduce the tax, which is likely to be implemented from 2026.
At least 16 other local authorities, including Highland and Aberdeen, are considering following suit. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up to our Opinion newsletter Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. The Scottish Government calls the tax “a force for good” that will empower local authorities and help strengthen local democracy.
The City of Edinburgh Council says it will painlessly raise around £35 million in extra funding for services and to subsidise tourism infrastructure. Read More The tourist tax is just 18 months away so start preparing now - Caroline Colliston Readers' Letters: Does Kate Forbes want to help Hospitality or not? Mass protests on Majorca show why Scotland's tourist industry needs a tourist tax – Stephen Jardine Scottish Government 'open to introducing' cruise ship tax as tourist tax voted into law I’m afraid I take a different view. I see th.