One UK tourism hotspot is hoping to introduce a brand new controversial levy for guests – however one group has now highlighted the “significant negative consequences” that might comply with.
Scotland has lengthy been a preferred vacation spot for staycationers and guests from across the globe alike, drawn by its lovely panorama and historic sights.
With rising native discontent on the hoards of tourists descending on areas together with the well-known Scottish Highlands, nonetheless, native authorities have come underneath strain to roll out tourism tax schemes – however not everybody’s satisfied they’re the best option to sort out rising numbers.
The Highland Council turned the third native authority within the nation to drift the thought of a customer levy this yr – proposing further prices for in a single day stays within the space, which is house to Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye.
The Scottish Government handed laws permitting councils to cost an additional tax on holidaymakers staying in in a single day lodging within the spring, with Glasgow and Edinburgh additionally set to seek the advice of on the fees, which might be enforced from 2026.
Now the suggestion has attracted criticism from voices within the Highlands’ hospitality and enterprise sector, with some involved that Scotland’s current vacationer market would buckle underneath the pressure of recent monetary strain on guests.
The Inverness, Lochaber and Caithness chambers of commerce and the Cairngorms Business Partnership have known as on the council to backpedal on the introduction of a 5% tariff on in a single day stays within the Highlands in a joint assertion pointing to the “significant negative consequences” of the transfer.
The space is already going through “numerous challenges”, they argued, together with a “fragile economic climate” and “competitive disadvantage” because of its distant location.
Acknowleding that the Highland tourism economic system is “vital to the region’s economy and provides significant employment opportunities”, they criticised the precise percentage-based charging mannequin proposed by the council, suggesting {that a} “simpler, fixed-fee model” could be simpler.
“We understand that change is needed for the tourism industry and are very happy to explore all options with relevant stakeholders,” the assertion added.
“We believe that a well-considered and carefully implemented approach to tourism development is crucial for the long-term success of the Highlands.”
Figures from Highland Council present an annual vacationer footfall of over six million, spanning day-trippers, resort stayers and cruise passengers.
Countries around the globe have launched new tourism taxes for 2025 following protests towards overtourism in areas together with the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Brits travelling to Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Paris and Grand Canaria must shell out some further kilos to take pleasure in a visit overseas subsequent yr, whereas a proposed Welsh vacationer levy might additionally come into impact in 2027 on the earliest.
Schemes are already in place in Venice, which launched a £4.13 tax for visits throughout the peak season this yr, Barcelona and Amsterdam, which not too long ago elevated its charge on in a single day stays from 7% to 12.5%.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1991898/fears-tourist-levy-scotland-negative