Six years since the idea was first brought up, we’ve come to terms with the fact that Edinburgh is bringing in a tourist tax. But until now, it wasn’t clear just how high the levy would be. This week it was officially confirmed that the rate will be set at five percent.
The tourist tax will see hotels, short-term lets (such as Airbnbs) and campsites charging five percent extra on overnight stays. It’ll be the first compulsory city-wide scheme of its kind in the UK and take effect on trips from July 24, 2026 that are booked from May 1 this year onwards.
It’s hoped that the scheme will raise around £50 million each year. The money will tackle the impact of mass tourism in the Scottish capital and go towards things like social housing, public parks, tourism facilities and cultural events.
You’re right, the tax is still ages away, but Edinburgh officials decided to have that long lead-up time to make sure visitors aren’t caught off guard when it eventually comes into place.
Some people argue that the tax will be a deterrent for tourists and have a negative impact on Edinburgh’s businesses. But it has been adapted following talks with local businesses, residents, tourists and cultural organisations. The changes include applying the fee to the first five days of any stay, rather than the seven days that was proposed initially.
It’s not completely set in stone just yet. City councillors will have their final say on the scheme today (Friday, January 10).
Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: ‘This is the moment we have been working towards, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most beautiful, enjoyable destinations in the world.
‘The funding could provide Edinburgh with the biggest single injection of new funding this side of the millennium.’
More on tourist tax
It’s not just Edinburgh, the whole of Scotland is getting a tourist tax soon. And like it or not, tourist levies are pretty widespread now – just see the full list of places you have to pay extra to visit this year. In the UK, Manchester raised £2.8 million in tourist taxes and there are rumours that places like Cambridge, London and Weston-super-Mare could be next.
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