Highland Council urged to use tourist tax to improve services
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Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands Ariane Burgess's party is keen to see councils take the opportunity of the new levy.
Highland Council should use a visitor levy, or tourist tax, to raise vital funds for local services that are often under pressure due to tourist numbers.
That is the view of Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands, Ariane Burgess.
The Scottish Parliament has approved the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which will empower local councils to introduce a visitor levy to hotels and overnight accommodation, similar to schemes already in place across a number of European tourist destinations.
Highland Council has welcomed the idea of the levy.
The scheme was secured by the Scottish Greens during budget negotiations in 2019 but was one of a number of bills postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
Ms Burgess said: “I am proud that so many people visit the Highlands every year, but it puts a strain on visitor hotspots and local services.
“That’s why it is fair to ask tourists to make a small contribution to support our community and ensure that local residents aren’t left picking up the bill.
“Visitor levies are already common across Europe and beyond.
“It is a small charge that will make a big difference.
“That is why I am urging Highland Council to apply the levy and use the funds to benefit our visitors as well as our communities.”
Talking previously about the scheme, council leader Raymond Bremner said: “Highland Council has long supported the idea of a tourist levy to enable the local authority to invest in local infrastructure and is a commitment in our council programme.”
