Scottish Conservatives Culture and Tourism spokesperson, local MSP Rachael Hamilton commended the decision of Scottish Borders Council to voice their objections over tourist tax.
Scottish Borders’ councillors voted unanimously to oppose the idea of a transient visitor levy (so-called ‘tourist tax’) at a meeting of the council’s executive.
The Scottish Government decided to hold a consultation with local authorities in October following support for a transient visitor levy by some of Scotland’s councils, such as Edinburgh City.
Ms Hamilton has been vocal in the Scottish Parliament about her opposition to any form of transient visitor levy, following meetings with the Scottish Tourism Alliance and other industry representatives.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“Scottish Borders’ councillors have taken the common sense approach when it comes to this unwanted and damaging form of taxation.
“We need to encourage more tourists to the Borders, and a tourist tax would have sent the wrong message to those considering visiting on business or holidaying here.
“Cuts to local authority funding by the SNP Government cannot be remedied by raising funds through a tourist tax. What is even more worrying is that the Green Party will try to pressure the SNP to adopt this tax in a crass deal to pass the Budget.
“Industry leaders in the tourism and hospitality sectors have been unequivocal; the tourist tax is harmful to Scottish tourism”.
“I would urge other local authorities to adopt the approach of the Borders, and send a clear message to Holyrood; that this is unwelcome and detrimental to local tourism”