EDINBURGH is to carry out its largest-ever survey of public opinion when it canvases possible implementation of a tourist tax, it was announced yesterday.
The city council’s ruling SNP-Labour coalition is determined to introduce a “transient visitor levy” of a suggested £1 per bed per night in a bid to raise £11.5 million.
The hotel and leisure industries are opposed to the tax, the kind of which is becoming more widespread across the world. The Scottish Government is lukewarm on the idea, with Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop having publicly disagreed with SNP council leader Adam McVey on the issue. Locals and visitors will be questioned for the poll, with numbers adjusted so that a fair reflection of visitor nationalities is surveyed.
John Donnelly, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “The biggest challenge to Edinburgh and its tourism industry right now is global competition, and with a requirement for future investment, in what is currently a challenging financial climate, we need a clear, balanced and thoughtful debate on where that funding comes from.
“Nothing should be off the table at this stage, and we believe a consultation with tourism businesses and organisations, considering the merits and disadvantages of every option, is the next step in determining the best way to move forward.
“Crucial to this conversation are the views of both residents and visitors, which is why we have commissioned an independent and robust research programme to seek their feedback in two waves, in the peak of the visitor season in July and August, then again in October when the city is less busy. We look forward to adding valuable data and insight into the debate.”
McVey said: “The council undertook in-depth research on a transient visitor levy earlier this year that concluded it would not have an adverse effect on tourists visiting Edinburgh. This next stage involves considered, thoughtful and professional engagement with our partners in the tourism and hotel sectors, the people of Edinburgh and tourists who would ultimately pay the levy.
“I’d like to thank those who have already engaged in the debate, including residents who suggested some form of tourist tax as part of the council’s 2017 budget consultation. I look forward to the findings of this further research being made public later this year.”
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