COUNCILLORS in Edinburgh say they could be the first in Scotland to agree a visitor levy – with the charge expected to bring in up to £50 million a year for the authority.
City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said the cash raised could give the Scottish capital its “single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium”.
She was speaking ahead of meetings later this month where plans for a visitor levy are expected to be approved.
Introducing the charge will first come before councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Friday, January 17.
The plan will then go before all councillors for final approval at a special meeting of the council a week later, on January 24.
Holyrood approved legislation giving councils across Scotland the ability to introduce such a charge in May 2024.
Edinburgh Council is proposing a 5% charge, which would be applied to those staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering accommodation, and campsites and caravan parks.
The levy would be applied on bookings made after May 1 this year, for accommodation stays from July 24, 2026 onwards.
Charges would be applied for a maximum of five consecutive nights per person under the plans.
Meagher said the proposed levy is a “once in a lifetime opportunity to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most beautiful, enjoyable destinations in the world”.
The council leader added: “With income of up to £50m expected once it is established, the funding could provide Edinburgh with the single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium, providing a unique opportunity to further improve and protect all that makes Edinburgh the incredible destination it is today.
“We’ll be able to use funds to help us manage tourism sustainably and boost projects which benefit the experience of visitors and residents.
“I’m looking forward to working with councillors to agree the scheme this month, which will allow further work to be carried out on the details of Edinburgh’s new levy.”
