Visitor levy will help bolster 'much needed long term investment in the tourism sector'
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Highland Council insists that the so-called tourist tax is essential to ensuring sustainability because “the revenue generated will enable the council to deliver much needed long term investment in the tourism sector.”
That is according to the chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee Ken Gowans who was speaking after councillors met and noted the legislative process for the Local Visitor Levy Bill.
The discussion among members recognised the likely timescales and implications for its introduction in the Highlands and other key issues which will inform the council’s response to the Scottish Parliament’s consultation.
That consultation – which is open to the public – has been extended by two weeks until September 15 this year and the Scottish Parliament has created an online so-called Citizen Space while the main points can be found here.
The parliamentary process began in spring 2023 and usually takes around 12 to 14 months to complete and following approval by parliament, the Bill will then be sent for Royal Assent before coming into law.
Cllr Gowans said: “The Highland tourism sector offers vital economic benefit to the Highlands and Islands and the Local Tourism Levy helps to ensure its sustainability; the revenue generated will enable the council to deliver much needed long term investment in the tourism sector.
“A strategic priority contained within the Council’s Administration Programme 2022-2027, is to work with partners and stakeholders to address service delivery challenges with a positive approach to change.
“One of the identified actions is to implement the tourism levy as an enabler to improve infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience.
“Collaboration around the levy and the proposed legislation is essential towards developing a well-informed tourism strategy that is most appropriate for the Highland. We have already started the process, so that we are in a position to introduce the levy as early as possible.”
