A fair contribution from visitors will help our capital city to thrive - Lorna Slater
This week marks an important milestone for Edinburgh. After years of discussion, planning and campaigning, Scotland’s first visitor levy has finally come into force.
It is a practical, common sense policy that recognises a simple truth, millions of people come to enjoy our capital every year and it is only fair that they make a modest contribution towards the services and infrastructure that help make Edinburgh such a special place.
The introduction of the visitor levy is also a reminder that good ideas are worth fighting for.
The Scottish Greens championed giving councils the power to introduce a tourist tax for years. Back in 2019, securing the commitment to legislate for a visitor levy was a key achievement during budget negotiations. That work ultimately led to legislation allowing local authorities to decide whether introducing a levy was right for their communities.
Edinburgh has become the first council to grasp that opportunity.
Visitors staying in paid accommodation will now pay a 5% levy on the cost of their stay, capped at the first five nights. It is a modest charge that brings Scotland into line with many of Europe’s most successful tourist destinations, from Amsterdam to Barcelona, where visitor levies have existed for years without damaging their appeal.
The benefits are clear. Edinburgh welcomes millions of visitors every year, something that supports jobs, businesses and our cultural life. But tourism also places huge demands on public services. Roads, pavements, parks, public toilets, waste collection, public transport and our world famous public spaces all experience additional pressure during the busiest months.
For too long, local residents have shouldered those costs alone through their council tax.The visitor levy helps rebalance that equation.
The money raised can be invested back into the city, improving the experience for residents and visitors alike. Whether that means cleaner streets, better public spaces, improved infrastructure or supporting the cultural events that make Edinburgh famous across the world, it is an investment in the city’s future. Current estimates suggest the levy could generate around £50 million each year.
Critics have claimed the levy will put visitors off. Similar warnings were made every time another European city introduced a tourist tax and those fears have consistently failed to materialise.
People choose Edinburgh because of its history, festivals, architecture, hospitality and culture. A small contribution towards protecting those very assets is unlikely to change anyone’s holiday plans.
In fact, visitors increasingly expect destinations to manage tourism responsibly. They understand that maintaining beautiful historic cities requires investment and many are surprised Scotland has taken so long to introduce a policy that is commonplace elsewhere.
The real success of Edinburgh’s visitor levy should not simply be measured by the revenue it raises. It should be measured by the confidence it gives other councils to follow suit.
Every community is different and local authorities should have the freedom to decide whether a visitor levy is right for them. Tourist hotspots across Scotland face many of the same pressures as Edinburgh and they deserve the same opportunity to invest for the good of their residents.
By asking tourists to make a contribution to our beautiful city we can ensure that tourism works for everyone.
That is exactly what the Scottish Greens set out to achieve and I hope Edinburgh is only the beginning.