Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers and Vice Chair of Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) Policy Group has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to amend the Visitor Levy Legislation (aka Tourist Tax).
Orkney Islands Council rejected the additional powers of imposing a Visitor Levy. Click on this link for the OIC report, Item 10 Orkney Visitor Levy.
The Visitor Levy legislation in Scotland gives powers to local authorities to charge for overnight stays, funding from which would be used for local visitor facilities and services.
The amendment will give councils the choice of setting a fixed amount. Councils will also be given the option of setting different fixed amounts such as for different geographical locations, times of year or types of accommodation.
This introduces more flexibility into the scheme.
Fiona Campbell said:
“We welcome the announcement of the Expedited Visitor Levy Bill. It provides an innovative and pragmatic mechanism for reforming Scotland’s visitor levy, increasing local flexibility and demonstrating clear cross-party recognition that urgent change is required.
“The inclusion of a flat-rate option is a hugely positive step and something the industry could not have imagined being on the table even two months ago. It shows that the Scottish Government has listened to consistent, evidence-based concerns from operators, councils and wider stakeholders. The move towards flexibility mirrors the strong alignment of industry bodies, MSPs, local authorities, OTAs, and accommodation providers calling for a fairer and more practical model for implementation .
And she added:
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Ministers, MSPs from all parties, local authorities, and partners across the tourism and hospitality sector as the Bill progresses through Parliament. The ASSC and STA will continue to engage constructively on the detail to ensure that the final legislation benefits communities, businesses and visitors alike.”
If the new Bill is passed in the Scottish Parliament, local authorities may choose to introduce a visitor levy that is based on either a percentage rate model or a fixed amount model. Under the fixed amount model, local authorities will have the discretion to apply the levy on a per person per night or a per night basis. The legislation will also clarify how levies are applied to sales via third parties, such as booking platforms, and the information accommodation providers must share with councils.
Public Finance Minister in the Scottish Government Ivan McKee said:
“The visitor levy empowers councils by giving them a new way to raise money for investment in tourist services and facilities. Our aim has been to give councils the flexibility to design a levy that works for their areas, while ensuring businesses can easily understand what it means for them.
“The Act passed last year was an example of partnership working between the Scottish Government, local government and tourism businesses. Through regular discussions with our partners, it became clear that further flexibility would be welcomed. That is why we have decided to legislate next year, to ensure local visitor levies work effectively for everyone.”
Fiona Grahame
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