There is a possibility of introducing a tourist tax by the Highland Council and as per the new report from the council ‘ a transient visitor levy’ could raise between £5m and £10m.
There will be a public consultation on the tax next week after a vote by the councilors.
For Scottish Highlands tourism is the most valuable industry and attracts six and a half million visitors each year and provides jobs for thousands.
It is expected that the introduced levy would be spent on improving the infrastructure and facilities. But as per the locals it will not be supporting the millions who visit.
Currently, Highland is experience visitor pressures and looking for ways of raising income to counter the issues.
In other countries the ability to raise a levy from visitors already exists and the exiting legislation does not permits the local authorities to raise local taxes. Therefore, primary or secondary legislation will be needed before this happens in Scotland.
Earlier this year the MSPs heard that tourist tax was essential so that visitors don’t have to go to the toilet behind a bush.
The Holyrood’s tourism committee was informed that visitor numbers were putting pressure on roads, car parks and public toilets. The tax would be needed for improvements of amenities so that tourists get a good impression of the area.
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland regional leadership director said that tourism is important to the Highlands and it supports 16,000 jobs in the region and brings million of visitors every year.
He was aware of the industry concerns that tourism tax would be hampering growth and affecting jobs.
For the country’s tourism industry to remain sustainable a sensitive touch is needec and the they welcome the Highland Council’s desire to invest in facilities for improving the visitor experience.
For leisure and business trips value for money is among the major factors which consumers consider while making choices. Other destinations already implement a visitor levy which is against the backdrop of lower VAT levels.
The public sector funding is coming under pressure and on the occasion of introduction of tourism tax in Scotland there will be arguments raised by the VisitScotland that revenue should be reinvested in tourism and spent uniformly across the country.
Tags:Scottish Highlands
