A Scottish tourist hotspot is considering introducing a contentious new levy for visitors.
Scotland has long been a popular holiday destination thanks to its unparalleled scenery and iconic whisky distilleries. Each year, millions of people from across the UK and beyond flock to the country.
In response, Scottish councils have been pressured by increasingly frustrated locals to implement tourist tax measures. The Scottish Government passed legislation in the spring that allows councils in the country to impose an extra tax on holiday accommodation.
The Highland Council is the latest to suggest a visitor levy. Glasgow and Edinburgh are also considering introducing a tax.
If successful, tourists would face additional charges for overnight stays in regions boasting destinations such as Loch Ness and Ben Nevis. However, as reported by The Express, not everyone agrees they are the solution to managing the influx of visitors.
Despite strong support, the proposals have faced significant backlash from Highlands hospitality and business owners. Those against the tourist tax fear that the added financial burden could undermine Scotland’s thriving tourist industry.
The Inverness, Lochaber and Caithness chambers of commerce, along with the Cairngorms Business Partnership, have united to urge the Highland Council to reconsider the proposed five per cent tariff on overnight stays in the Highlands. Their joint statement highlights the “significant negative consequences” of such a move.
The coalition states that the Highlands is already grappling with “numerous challenges”. These include a “fragile economic climate” and a “competitive disadvantage” due to the area’s remote location.
While acknowledging the critical importance of the Highland tourism economy, which offers substantial employment opportunities, they question the council’s percentage-based charging model. Instead, they propose a “simpler, fixed-fee model” might be more beneficial.
The statement reads: “We understand that change is needed for the tourism industry and are very happy to explore all options with relevant stakeholders. We believe that a well-considered and carefully implemented approach to tourism development is crucial for the long-term success of the Highlands.”
Data from the Highland Council indicates that the region sees an annual influx of more than six million tourists. This includes day visitors, hotel guests, and cruise ship passengers.
The news comes as countries worldwide are considering new tourism taxes in 2025, following demonstrations against ‘over-tourism’ in destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands. Scots planning to jet off to Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Paris and Grand Canaria next year may be forced to pay more than in the past.
A similar scheme has already been rolled out in Venice, which introduced a £4.13 tax for peak season visits this year. Elsewhere, the fee on overnight stays in Barcelona and Amsterdam has recently been hiked from 7 per cent to 12.5 per cent.
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