Scottish Highlands plans to introduce tourist tax

By Lisa James
16/09/2024
Home » Scottish Highlands plans to introduce tourist tax

The Scottish Highlands, which includes the areas of Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and John o’ Groats, is to start consulting on plans to tax tourists.

If plans go ahead, there will be an additional overnight fee for guests at hotels, B&Bs, campsites and holiday lets.

Highlands Council will start a three-month consultation later this year. The fee would be reinvested into services and facilities used by tourists and business visitors.

Inverness councillor Ken Gowans said: “Tourism is one of our most important sectors and the levy would form an essential part of how we sustain, maintain and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on.

“The upcoming consultation will give everyone the opportunity to put forward their views on how a levy scheme should operate and what the proceeds should be spent on.”

Under Scotland’s new Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, local councils can consult businesses and residents on plans to introduce a visitor levy, with the tourist tax being implemented from spring 2026.

Latest News

Mark Sutton leaves PTS

Protected Trust Services Managing Director Mark Sutton has left the company. Mark had been with...

Loading