A new public consultation has been launched by City of Edinburgh Council to get local views on a potential tourist tax in the region.
Residents, business, and visitors are being invited to have their say on the final plans to raise upwards of £100million by 2030 from tourism to support the capital.
Under the plans for the tourist tax, which is being dubbed the visitor levy scheme by the local authority, a charge of five per cent will be imposed on overnight stays for a maximum of seven nights.
Views are also being sought on what types of accommodation should be liable for the tax, potential exemptions, and how the money raised should be used to improve Edinburgh.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “With the potential to raise tens of millions of pounds a year once it’s established, a visitor levy for Edinburgh presents a huge opportunity for us to invest sustainably in maintaining and developing the things that make our city such a great place to visit – and live in – all year round.
“This is a once in a lifetime chance for our city to harness its global visitor appeal. Funds raised could go towards supporting vital services such as keeping the city clean and green, preserving some of our incredible heritage sites as well as supporting businesses in the visitor economy industry.”
Work to actively seek the views of Edinburgh’s residents and businesses will now come in the form of public drop-ins, open sessions for businesses in the visitor economy industry and accommodation providers, and targeted meetings with various stakeholders and industry groups.
Councillors will then assess the feedback before deciding in early 2025 to adopt or amend the scheme.
READ MORE:
- Edinburgh council approves plans for 'tourist tax' to raise millions
- What is Scotland's new tourist tax? Visitor levy explained
The proposed date for the tourist tax to be introduced is 24 July 2026.
Mr Day added: “We already know from the huge amount of engagement we’ve previously carried out that the introduction of a levy has overwhelming support here in Edinburgh. All this engagement work has helped us to shape the scheme we have in front of us today and I’m grateful to the thousands of people who have been involved to date.
“We’ll be continuing to engage with industry, and stakeholders, in the coming weeks and months. Please make sure you engage with us and take this chance to have your final say.”
The public consultation is open now and will remain available until Sunday 15 December. To participate, a consultation website has been set up by the local authority.
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