Edinburgh Council wants your views on new tourist levy plan.
Edinburgh Council Seeks Public Input on Visitor Levy Scheme
Residents, businesses, and visitors in the capital city of Edinburgh are being called upon to share their views on the final plans to generate over £100 million by 2030 from tourism to enhance and support the city’s infrastructure.
The official consultation on the draft visitor levy scheme has been launched following the enactment of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, giving Scottish councils the authority to implement a levy on overnight stays within their areas.
The key aspects of Edinburgh’s draft scheme open for discussion include:
- The proposed levy rate of 5% on overnight stays for a maximum duration of seven nights
- The types of accommodation subject to the levy
- Allocation of funds raised for city improvements
- Potential exemptions from the levy
The public is encouraged to participate in various engagement activities, including public drop-ins, business sessions for stakeholders in the visitor economy sector, and meetings with industry groups.
Feedback from the consultation, open until December 15th, will influence councillors’ decision in early 2025 to either approve or amend the scheme. If approved, the levy is expected to come into effect around July 24, 2026, pending council agreement.
Council leader Cammy Day expressed optimism about the potential of the visitor levy to annually generate significant revenue. The scheme aims to facilitate sustainable investments in essential services, heritage preservation, and tourism businesses, benefiting both visitors and residents alike.
He highlighted the overwhelming local support for the levy, attributing the success of the scheme’s development to extensive community engagement efforts over the years.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, urged caution in implementing the levy, calling for a comprehensive economic impact assessment alongside the proposals to safeguard operators and consumers from potential financial strains.
She voiced concerns over the additional burdens the levy may impose on small businesses, warning against setting the levy too high, which could adversely impact Edinburgh’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
As discussions and consultations continue, stakeholders are urged to actively engage in the process, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered before final decisions are made.
