This is news that tourists should not taste. In order to cope with the increase in energy prices, the Scottish government proposes to introduce a tourist tax. His “Government Plan”, presented on September 6 and detailed on the government’s website, distills the main directions of his future policies. The executive explains that he wants to leave the opportunity to approve this investment to the cities of the country. And Edinburgh’s governing bodies have already planned to ride the wave. This tax can amount to several pounds per person and will only apply to overnight visitors.
If this tax were to pass (the bill is due to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in early 2023), the financial windfall would be huge for Edinburgh. With more than two million tourists a year, including more than 100,000 French, the Scottish capital is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom, after London.
Promote tourism-related activities
The realization of this financial investment for the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon “If desired, will assist city councils in financing tourism-related activities and other supporting infrastructure”. As early as 2021, Edinburgh City Council, then led by the SNP (Scottish National Party), wanted to introduce a tax of £2 per visitor per night, representing a potential income of £11 million a year. This project, which has already been discussed several times, was not preserved after the results of the May 2022 vote.
Already, the city’s general counsel, Cammy Day, has clarified her intentions. “We believe it is only fair to ask visitors to make a small contribution to help us maintain and even improve our tourism offer while managing its impact.” What convinces the main concern? The future will show.
Source: Le Figaro
