UK seaside metropolis to introduce nation’s costliest vacationer tax – greater than Berlin | UK | News | EUROtoday

Aberdeen is planning on introducing the costliest vacationer tax within the UK which the native council hopes would increase town’s economic system. Aberdeen City Council’s finance and sources committee has authorised the transfer which can see a 7% tax on in a single day stays, bringing in £5 per night time on a median lodge room priced at £70.

In comparability, the usual vacationer tax in Berlin, Germany, is 5% of the price of lodging. The plans are going out for public session and, if authorised, received’t come into impact till April 1, 2027, on the earliest.Aberdeen is a port metropolis on Scotland’s North Sea coast, with sights together with the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery and surrounding seashores. Councillor Alex McLellan, the council’s Convener of finance and sources, mentioned the scheme has the potential to “raise significant funds to help support our ambition to be a leading visitor destination”.

He mentioned: “Our decision around whether or not to introduce a visitor levy will be informed by the consultation as it is important to consider the views of the trade, and a key part of that discussion will be around how the council could use the funds to boost the city’s economy, increase visitor numbers, and, in turn, fill hotel rooms.”

Some have raised issues over the plans which exclude cruise ships and motor houses.

David Weston, from the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association, expressed his shock over the tax, telling BBC Scotland News: “I’m astonished, because Aberdeen does not suffer from over tourism.

“They’re not looking at all at the dangers to tourism and the damage that would to do to tourism, to Aberdeen, which would have a wider impact across the whole of the economy.”

According to the Press and Journal, Conservative Councillor Richard Brooks mentioned: “This is another tax on people.

“I don’t want to portray the city council as the Grim Reaper, but the timing of this is questionable.

“Council tax will rise shortly, there are additional restrictions to cars with LEZ and bus gates.”

A invoice was handed final 12 months, permitting councils throughout Scotland to cost a payment or tax on in a single day stays in some forms of lodging.

Frank Whitaker, chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, mentioned there was concern over the levy however believes it might have a constructive influence.

He mentioned: “It is fair to say that the hotel sector lobbied hard against legislation for a visitor levy. However, the law now enables local authorities across Scotland to implement a visitor levy, so it is incumbent on industry to work with local authorities to develop effective schemes that support local economic growth.

“The introduction of a visitor levy scheme in Aberdeen City has the potential to be a positive economic growth lever if correctly invested, benefitting not just all types of visitors to Aberdeen but also local residents.”

Edinburgh, a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from internationally, is introducing a 5% vacationer tax from subsequent 12 months, whereas Glasgow is holding a public session over a levy on the similar price.

Wales is planning on introducing a customer levy, which might price £1.25 per individual per night time for these staying in most forms of lodging.