Highland Council tourist tax proposal could raise £11m for staycation hotspots

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Highland tourist tax which could raise up to £11million a year for local communities has moved a step closer.Highland Council has proposed a 5 per cent visitor levy on overnight hotel, B&B and holiday let stays after MSPs green-lit the tax nationwide in May.

If the plans are agreed, there would be an 18-month implementation period with the visitor levy officially brought into effect in September 2026.Up to six million people are estimated to visit the Highlands every year, including day trippers, tourists and cruise passengers.

Covering some of Scotland’s most iconic beauty spots, popular attractions in the Highlands include the North Coast 500, the Isle of Skye and Cairngorms National Park.Councillors will vote on whether to approve a 12-week consultation on the policy next week.

Economy and infrastructure committee chairman Ken Gowans said this will ask people how much they think the levy should be, and how the money raised each year should be spent.Gowans said he believes cash raised from the tourist tax should go towards improving infrastructure in the Highlands such as fixing potholes and upgrading car parks, footpaths and public toilets.