Venture North urging communities and businesses to have their say on tourist levy
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Communities and businesses in the far north are being urged to have their say on the proposals for Scotland's so-called tourist tax.
Venture North, the destination management organisation for Caithness and Sutherland, says it is important that any legislation provides "tangible benefit to communities" and is managed effectively.
The organisation is calling for feedback from across the area during the consultation period for the Visitor Levy Bill proposed by the Scottish Government.
The proposed bill gives local authorities the power to introduce an additional charge on overnight stays in most types of visitor accommodation. Accommodation providers will be responsible for collecting the levy from visitors and paying it to their local authority, with the net proceeds to be used to develop, support or sustain services and facilities that are substantially for and used by people who visit the area.
Highland Council has committed to pursue the idea of a tourist levy.
Cathy Earnshaw, destination strategy manager for Venture North, said: “Part of our role as the destination management organisation for Caithness and Sutherland is to input into local and national strategies. We are actively involved in providing feedback on the current proposed visitor levy to the Scottish Government, and as members of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Highland Tourism Partnership.
"We will be directly surveying our Venture North members and key stakeholders. During the summer we canvassed visitor and local opinions at the county shows in Caithness and Sutherland and at Mey Highland Games, so a snapshot of Caithness and Sutherland’s voice can be shared.
“If this bill were to go ahead, it is important that we contribute as early as possible to ensure that any legislation provides tangible benefit to communities in which tourism is taking place and is managed effectively to improve tourism-related infrastructure.
"Areas of consideration and viewpoints that have been highlighted from initial consultations are incorporating a fair approach to all overnight providers, including camping and motorised vehicles, utilising the levy to encourage travel in the shoulder seasons and to areas less impacted by over-tourism, and minimising the economic impact on businesses that would be responsible for collecting the levy.”
Venture North is encouraging anyone with views on the issue to learn more about the proposed bill and also to take part in the online consultation before the closing date of September 15.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee, has said tourism offers "vital economic benefit to the Highlands and Islands" and the tourism levy will help to ensure its sustainability. He said: "The revenue generated will enable the council to deliver much-needed long-term investment in the tourism sector."
Venture North is developing and delivering the Tourism Destination Recovery Strategy (2021-23). Core funding support for Venture North is provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd and other funding partners.
Venture North works in partnership with local communities and representative organisations, government agencies and tourism businesses to maximise the benefits of the visitor economy, support responsible visitor management and encourage sustainable development.
It also promotes Caithness and Sutherland as a year-round visitor destination, with the 2022/23 autumn/winter campaign reaching more than 50 million people through public relations and marketing, and organises the annual Taste North food and drink festival.
Last year's Taste North welcomed almost 1500 visitors and showcased 37 food and drink providers at the East Caithness Community Facility in Wick. Taste North 2023 will be held on Sunday, November 5, at the same venue.
