UK Hospitality has revealed that the impact of a tourist tax could cost Scotland around £175 million.
Willie Macleod, Executive Director of UK Hospitality gave evidence at the Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee in response to the continued efforts of local authorities and COSLA to introduce a Transient Visitor Levy.
The committee session came after the First Minister’s announcement on Monday at the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) conference in Edinburgh, that a national consultation on the idea could be considered.
UK Hospitality’s economic adviser found that Scotland could be at a significant economic disadvantage as a result of a transient visitor levy being implemented
The adviser also highlighted that Edinburgh alone being more than three times worse off should a £2 per night levy be introduced across the country.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“While £1 or £2 a night might not seem like much to add to a hotel bill, a £175million loss to our tourism industry would be devastating.
“The SNP’s consultation on the tourist tax represents a huge u-turn given their recent opposition to such a levy.
“However, having undertaken the consultation, the crucial thing is that the SNP listens to the views of the tourism industry.”