Aberdeenshire Council is set to engage with the tourism sector about a proposed Visitor Levy, aiming to gather insights from key stakeholders.
The idea follows Edinburgh’s lead, where a similar levy is being discussed. Other councils, like Aberdeen City, are also considering it. The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 allows local councils to charge a fee for overnight stays.
If they go ahead, Aberdeenshire will create a Visitor Levy Scheme. This will outline details like the area covered and the levy percentage. Types of places affected could be hotels, B&Bs, and campsites.
The levy could help fund local tourism services and facilities. It aims to boost the visitor economy in line with regional strategies. More details will come out soon, with public consultations expected from June to September.
Cllr Gillian Owen emphasized the importance of understanding the levy’s impact. She noted that tourism supports over 7,300 jobs and brings in £486 million annually.
Cllr Anne Stirling highlighted that tourism is vital for Aberdeenshire, with millions visiting each year. She’s glad councillors are exploring this levy to ensure the sector continues to grow.
