Tag: Tourist Tax

Tourist Tax takes a step closer

The City of Edinburgh Council has completed its work to develop and agree a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) scheme for Edinburgh.
The Council will recommend its proposal to Ministers and MSPs for consideration, subject to approval from elected members at a meeting of the Full Council next week (Thursday 7 February).
The Scottish Capital would become the first Local Authority in the UK to introduce such a scheme, if the Council gets the power.
Shaped in response to public feedback, Edinburgh’s case for a TVL recommends:
A flat £2 per night room charge
Edinburgh’s TVL would be set as a flat rate. This is the most straightforward approach – easier to apply and communicate than a percentage charge – and, importantly, the preference of accommodation providers who will need to administer the charge.
An exemption for campsites
Edinburgh’s TVL would apply to all accommodation types within Council boundaries including short term lets but, in response to the consultation feedback, visitors staying in campsites would be exempt.
A cap of seven consecutive nights
Edinburgh’s TVL would be designed to protect seasonal and festival workers who stay in Edinburgh for extended periods of time.
Investing an estimated £14.6m every year
It is estimated that £14.6m would be raised annually through the introduction of a TVL and reinvested into providing sustainable investment in supporting and managing the impacts of tourism within the city. Further, detailed consideration on investment options is proposed to take place through a forum of key stakeholders.
Making the case for a TVL in Edinburgh, Council Leader Adam McVey, said: “Having listened carefully to all of the feedback we’ve received from industry partners and the citizens and businesses of Edinburgh, we’ve refined our proposals and are in a really strong position to take forward a TVL.
“The Capital’s population is increasing rapidly and visitor numbers continue to grow, due to Edinburgh being a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest. Our economic strength has brought us a great deal of success as a city but the reality is, without an additional income stream, we will struggle to manage and support this success in future. Tourism and hospitality are key drivers of our economy and this levy provides us with a way to sustainably support its continued success and reduce impacts on residents all year round.
“That’s why a visitor levy is an obvious choice for Edinburgh. It will help us continue to invest in and manage the success of tourism on our city, making sure we continue to offer one of the most enviable and enjoyable visitor experiences in the world. Plus, all of the research points to visitors being happy to pay a modest sum – just £2 – to help us do just that. A TVL is an obvious solution for the Council, for our people and for the future of our city.”
Cammy Day, Depute Council Leader, added: “A TVL would be a fair and efficient mechanism to raise funds to reinvest in our beautiful, historic city. Being successful as a visitor destination comes at a cost. Why shouldn’t it come at a modest price to visitors, too?
“This isn’t just a case of the Council saying, ‘let’s introduce a visitor levy’, these proposals have the overwhelming backing of Edinburgh’s residents, businesses, attractions and even support from accommodation providers. I hope to see the Scottish Government look favourably upon what I believe to be a strong submission and completely reasonable request.”

Wightman challenges First Minister on ‘Tourist Tax’

Scotland’s capital is being denied “normal European city” status due to Scottish Government inaction on visitor levies, according to Scottish Greens local government spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

The Lothian MSP used yesterday’s First Minister’s Questions session to urge the Scottish Government to bring forward legislation to give local councils powers that municipalities in other European countries take for granted.

New research compiled by Edinburgh City Council, debated in the city chambers yesterday, says that a Visitor Levy would not deter tourists and could raise up to an extra £29million a year for local services.

Andy Wightman, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said: “Local government finances are stretched due to our capital city’s status as a tourism magnet but an obvious solution exists and that is to give Edinburgh and Scotland’s other cities and councils the power of a normal European city – the power to levy a visitor charge. A small contribution per person would generate significant funds to maintain and improve local services.

“Such taxes are commonplace in other European cities and countries, including Paris, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam and Berlin. It’s baffling that the Scottish Government continues to drag its feet on this issue, and I will continue to campaign for real local democracy in Scotland.”

Tourist tax “far from welcoming”, says Timberbush Tours boss

Think again, pleads tour operator

The chief of a local tour company has appealed to councillors to reconsider plans to introduce a ‘tourist tax’. The city council estimates it must make savings of £150 million over the next five years and will propose a range of measures to address this in in next month’s budget. Councillors see the introduction of a ‘tourist tax’ as one way of avoiding even deeper cuts to council services, but business leaders have warned that any new surcharge on visitors to the city would see them vote with their wallets and choose to go elsewhere. Continue reading Tourist tax “far from welcoming”, says Timberbush Tours boss