The Scottish government has today published the evidence given by representatives of the tourism industry and local authorities on the introduction of tourist taxes.
The ‘national discussion’ took place between November 2018 and January 2019 in the form of roundtable meetings across the country.
Tourism secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The evidence that’s been published shows a number of important issues and complexities in the debate about a tourist tax both at a regional and national level.
“The Scottish government will continue to work with industry and local authority partners to ensure any proposals benefit our tourism sector as we want to ensure that we do all we can to support and strengthen Scotland’s reputation as a warm, open and welcoming destination.”
Edinburgh became the first council to announce plans for a tourism tax of £2 per night in February, provoking concerns from the tourist industry that it would be hit by the rising cost of staying in the capital.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance said at the time that Edinburgh’s move was “beyond disappointing and will deliver a significant blow to our industry.”
