Highland Council moves one step closer to introducing tourist tax as readies an online consultation for the Autumn that see a visitor levy introduced
Highland Council has moved one step closer to introducing a visitor levy in the region as it is set to publish a three month long online consultation in October.
Legislation that is due to come into effect in the Autumn calls on all local authorities in Scotland to consult, consider feedback before deciding whether to introduce the levy – sometimes called the tourist tax.
A page dedicated to the Visitor Levy has been published on the council’s website that includes key information about the legislation, the process so far and the next steps.
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The council has already conducted an extensive consultation back in 2019 involving 6600 residents, businesses and visitors after which it agreed in principle to implement a visitor levy in the Highlands.
A form of tourist tax is already operational in all or parts of many countries like Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Japan, Greece, France, Croatia, and Austria.
Even Belgium – which is frequently compared in size to the Highlands – charges around £3.50 and is added onto accommodation costs but it is understood that it varies from city to city.
Many people, not just the council, see it as the only means of securing investment needed for services that visitors use – such as roads – and one way to help the region become “more resilient and sustainable”.
This is reflected in the visitor levy being identified as a priority action within the Council’s Programme ‘Our Future Highland 2022-2027’.
Should the council eventually agree to introduce a levy then an 18-month implementation period will begin before it becomes operational.
Economy and infrastructure committee chairman, 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.
“We recognise that this consultation will only be one stage in the process, and we will be building up on ongoing opportunities for representatives from across the region to feed in and shape how the levy can be delivered.”
