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Tourists travelling to Scotland could be charged a fee under a potential plan to give local authorities across the country the power to charge a tourist tax.<\/p>\n
If the legislation, which was published this week, is passed, councils will be able to add a tax to the cost of an overnight stay.<\/p>\n
Edinburgh has said it plans to charge tourists £2 per night on top of the cost of a room for the first week of a stay.<\/p>\n
Councils will need to consult local communities, businesses and tourism organisations before implementing the tax.<\/p>\n
It could be introduced in 2026 if plans go ahead. Local authorities would have to consult on where the proceeds of the tax would go before introducing it.<\/p>\n
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The Scottish Government has said that all fees raised from the tax would have to go towards the local community.<\/p>\n
This could be spent on improving local facilities and services or enhancing the tourist experience.<\/p>\n
Cammy Day, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said the tax was much needed as Edinburgh’s popularity with tourists “comes at a cost”.<\/p>\n
Representatives from the Highland Council also welcomed news of the tax as it has discussed the need for one for years.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Tourist taxes aren’t common in the UK but are commonplace in other areas of Europe, including in Spain.<\/p>\n Manchester introduced England’s first tourist tax earlier this year, which sees visitors pay a fee on top of the price of an overnight stay.<\/p>\n St Ives has also discussed introducing a tax to help the community cope with the high influx of visitors during summer.<\/p>\n One person ‘Mary Wood’ wrote on Twitter: “SNP introducing tourist tax. They have brought Scotland to its knees, now by introducing a tourist tax it will ruin Scotland’s tourism industry.”<\/p>\n However, many people disagreed with one saying: “Why is a pound or two going to kill Scotland’s tourism industry?”<\/p>\n Another person ‘Lacey’ said: “I doubt a single tourist will stop coming because of a tourist tax. Lots of countries have it.”<\/p>\n
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