The visitor levy in Scotland was first proposed in 2019 as part of discussions around local tax reform. The Scottish Government officially introduced plans for it in 2023. So we asked our publishing partners from across Scotland to investigate the impact the visitor levy could have on their communities.
The visitor levy in Scotland is a proposed tax where tourists would pay a small fee for overnight stays in hotels or other accommodation. The aim is to raise money for local services and infrastructure in tourist-heavy areas. But it can be contentious for some who worry it could deter visitors, harm businesses, or make Scotland seem less welcoming, while others argue it helps fund the maintenance of tourist spots and benefits local communities. As of now, the levy hasn’t been fully implemented yet, but the Scottish Parliament is considering legislation to allow local councils to introduce it in the future.
Project Articles
Have Your Say: Visitor Levy consultation now open in Glasgow
Since 2019 discussions around the introduction of a Visitor Levy – also called the ‘tourism …
Visitor Levy exemption for Bonaly Scout Centre in Edinburgh
Bonaly Scout Centre will qualify for an exemption from Edinburgh’s new Visitor Levy. As reported …
City of Edinburgh Council leader writes to government about Visitor Levy
The City of Edinburgh Council officially announced its intention to introduce a Visitor Levy scheme. …
Edinburgh city agrees details of new visitor levy
The meeting was held online due to Storm Éowyn but all councillors had ample opportunity to …
Proposed ‘Visitor Levy’ Will Have Little Benefit for Local Pentland Businesses
Paul Fisher Cockburn, C&B News Scottish Government plans to enable local councils to impose a …
The Visitor Levy: How it works in other cities
The Scots love a holiday, with around 70 percent of Scotland’s population going on at …
Inclusions and exclusions as Visitor Levy Bill passes stage 2
Which visitors to Orkney should be paying a locally administered tax for staying here and …
The visitor levy as leverage – views from Leith
The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Cammy Day last month as elected representatives …
Visitor levy passes Stage 1 in Scottish Parliament but cruise ships not included
A bill which would give Scotland’s local authorities powers to charge a visitor level, or …
