Legislation to Help Councils Invest in Local Tourism
Legislation which would give councils the power to introduce a visitor levy to raise funding for local tourism facilities and services has passed its first vote in Parliament.
MSPs have voted to endorse the general principles of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which would enable councils to apply a levy on overnight stays in line with many tourist destinations across Europe. All money raised would be reinvested in facilities and services that are substantially used by visitors, benefitting tourists and local economies.
The proposals were backed in a Scotland-wide consultation led by the Scottish Government. Should they wish to use the powers, councils would be required to consult local communities, businesses and tourism organisations on whether a visitor levy should be brought in and how any revenue should be spent.
If passed, the legislation will give local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy in all or parts of their area. The levy would be a percentage of the overnight accommodation cost, with the amount set by the local council, collected by the accommodation providers and remitted to the relevant local authority. It would apply to almost all types of overnight accommodation, including hotels, self-catering accommodation and campsites.
Of the 27 European Union member states, 21 charge occupancy taxes. Destinations such as Berlin in Germany use the levy as a way to increase general revenues, while others such as Nice in France and Spainās Balearic Islands ring-fence all or part of the revenues to fund specific projects.
Representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA, the Scottish Government and other partners have formed an expert group to consider how the legislation could be best implemented if passed. Facilitated by VisitScotland, it brings together tourism industry bodies and local government to discuss how best any visitor levy can be implemented and to develop national guidance for local authorities.
Background
Having passed Stage One, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will be considered for line-by-line amendments by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee before Stage Three when the full Parliament considers further amendments and makes a final vote on whether or not to pass the Bill.
The Scottish Government has committed to a public consultation on a cruise ship levy, once proposals have reached a suitable stage of development, to hear the views of all relevant stakeholders in line with the New Deal for Business. Depending on the outcome and timing of that work and consultation, the Scottish Government remains open to putting forward amendments on a cruise ship levy at Stage Two of the Bill.