Perth and Kinross Council is considering a tourist tax to support local initiatives and address visitor impacts, following Edinburgh’s example.
Perth: Perth and Kinross might introduce a tourist tax soon. Council leaders want to talk with local businesses and residents about it.
Next week, councillors will discuss whether to move forward with these talks. This comes after Edinburgh approved a similar tax, charging visitors an extra 5% on accommodation costs starting next summer.
Edinburgh City Council hopes to raise around £50 million each year from this tax. However, some worry it might hurt local businesses by discouraging visitors.
Perth and Kinross Tourist Tax Could Be Two Years Away
Perth and Kinross Council is already looking into a potential tourist tax. They’ve hired consultants to estimate the possible income from it.
When the economy and infrastructure committee meets on Wednesday, councillors will discuss moving the process forward. Supporters believe the tax could fund services like the visitor ranger program.
However, the consultation process may take over two years. The earliest the tax could start is summer 2027, following new legislation from the Scottish Government.
Tourist Tax Could Offset Visitor Impact on Communities
A report for the committee mentions concerns about the tax’s impact, both locally and nationally. Yet, it also highlights how the income could benefit Perth and Kinross.
Residents in popular areas have faced issues like littering and parking problems, especially after the Covid lockdowns. The report states that there are costs to supporting visitors.
It suggests that the visitor levy could help cover these costs and improve the local tourism sector.
Tourism Worth £641m to Region
In 2023, tourists made 2.3 million visits to Perth and Kinross, staying an average of 2.8 nights. Tourism supports about 8,200 jobs in the area.
The total economic impact of tourism in the region is estimated at £641 million. If the committee approves the next steps, the council will consult with local businesses and residents to draft a scheme by the end of the year.
