Tourist tax proposal in Perth and Kinross being put to residents and businesses

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Perth and Kinross Council will begin seeking the views of local businesses and residents on the possible introduction of a tourist tax in the area.The move was approved at an Economy and Infrastructure Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 3.The feedback gathered will be reported to councillors in December 2025 who will then vote on whether or not to proceed with introducing the scheme.Councillors this week agreed the approach and timeline for early engagement and for a draft Perth and Kinross Visitor Levy Scheme to be drawn up, informed by the public's feedback.The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 allows local authorities to introduce a levy on overnight accommodation.

The income raised can be reinvested locally "to enhance the visitor experience".At Wednesday's meeting, PKC's Economic Development Manager Steven MacDonald highlighted potential benefits and concerns that will need to be given consideration.He said: "Tourism is one of our key economic sectors."'A visitor levy - a percentage rate on overnight stays - has the potential to provide indefinite annual funding allowing multi-year investment for transformational and impactful projects over the short, medium and long term."Mr MacDonald added: "It is important to recognise there are also challenges to the introduction of the levy: income being used by local authorities to offset general budget pressures; currently exempt businesses moving into higher tax thresholds, and the price points at which it risks attracting visitors to our area are all concerns which have been raised."Conservative councillor Angus Forbes sought more detail on whose views the council would be seeking as part of its engagement plan.Cllr Forbes: "I've got no idea who you're talking to.