UKHospitality urges Scottish businesses to respond to visitor levy consultation

UKHospitality Scotland is encouraging operators to respond to the tourist tax consultation and outline the impact it will have on their businesses.

The Scottish Parliament published a ‘tourist tax' bill back in May that would give councils the power to impose a levy on overnight accommodation, including hotels, self-catering properties and campsites.

The rate would based on a percentage of the cost and set by each individual council.

All money raised would have to be reinvested into facilities and services used by tourists in the local area, subject to a consultation with residents and businesses. But hospitality and tourism trade bodies have warned introducing a tax could make it more difficult to attract visitors.

UKHospitality Scotland executive director Leon Thompson said: “I would urge businesses to take the time to respond to the Scottish Parliament's consultation and outline the impact this will have on their businesses and the local tourism economy. It’s critical that hospitality’s voice is heard and that politicians understand just how detrimental this levy could be to Scotland’s reputation as a tourist destination.”

He added: “We’ll also be stressing the need for ringfencing of funds to be spent on hospitality and tourism, if the levy is introduced as the Scottish Government proposes. If that is the unfortunate outcome of this consultation, those funds must be spent effectively to protect and enhance Scotland’s reputation on the world stage.”