Members of the public, businesses and the tourism sector are being asked for their views on the design of a levy which would let local authorities, who deem it appropriate for their local circumstances, charge visitors a fee for staying overnight in their area. Continue reading Tourist Tax consultation launched
Tag: Tourist Tax
‘Lukewarm support’ for Tourist Tax?
At Portfolio questions yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, was questioned by Lothian MSP Miles Briggs over the plans for a new tourist tax in Edinburgh. Continue reading ‘Lukewarm support’ for Tourist Tax?
Tourist Tax takes a step closer
Strong support for Edinburgh Tourist Tax
Figures published by the City of Edinburgh Council this morning reveal strong support for the introduction of a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) – or Tourist Tax – in the Capital. Continue reading Strong support for Edinburgh Tourist Tax
A Tourist Tax for Edinburgh? Have your say
The City of Edinburgh Council has opened a citywide consultation on proposals for a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) or ‘Tourist Tax’. Continue reading A Tourist Tax for Edinburgh? Have your say
Tourist Tax plans to go out to consultation
The City of Edinburgh Council has outlined details of how a transient visitor levy, or ‘tourist tax’, could look if it were introduced in the Capital. Continue reading Tourist Tax plans to go out to consultation
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.”
New council research strengthens case for Tourist Tax
A ‘Transient Visitor Levy’ – a so-called Tourist Tax – would not deter tourists from visiting the Capital, according to research published today by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Continue reading New council research strengthens case for Tourist Tax
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