Tourists to be taxed to visit Edinburgh in UK first that would see millions raised

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Edinburgh is set to be the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax. The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed plans for a £2 per person per night tax, limited at seven nights, for all paid accommodation except campsites.

Waste, cleansing and improvements to public areas and green spaces such as parks have been suggested as the main priorities for the money to go towards.

It will be the first city in the UK to introduce a tax on overnight visitors, once the required legislation is approved at Holyrood.A report to Tuesday's meeting of the policy and sustainability committee says this new measure could raise between £5million and £35million a year, depending on the final model agreed.

The report showcases an "initial list of key thematic areas" as the priorities for the money raised.It added: "This list would be used as the basis for further internal and external engagement with stakeholders and members." The priorities are waste, cleansing, and greenspace, addressing congestion, investing in public routes and travel system and services.Also on the agenda is investment in the city's infrastructure, as well as investing in focussed promotion of Edinburgh including encouraging visitor dispersal out of the city centre.