Edinburgh to Launch Scotland’s First Tourist Tax

The city of Edinburgh is the latest to join the growing trend of addressing issues caused by tourism through the introduction of a tourist tax.

Cammy Day, the Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, stated that the tax will greatly enhance the city’s capacity to invest in tourism-related improvements, addressing everything from cleanliness to housing concerns, ensuring continued enjoyment of the city.

This proposed tax has been in development since 2019, with initial measures introduced in 2022. Recently, councillors have voted in favor of implementing a tourist tax, aiming to generate approximately £50 million annually, equivalent to $65.8 million per BBC.

Edinburgh will become the first city in Scotland to enact such a tax, officially referred to as the transient visitor levy (TVL). This charge will be applicable to hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catered accommodations, as well as properties listed on platforms like Airbnb.

Funds accrued from this tax will cover the expenses associated with enhancing the capital city of Scotland. Local leaders assert that the generated revenue will ultimately improve the tourism experience.

Cities like Venice, Barcelona, Paris, Bali, and Greece have previously adopted similar taxes aimed at managing their tourism challenges.