Edinburgh tourist tax comes closer to being introduced

A new report to be discussed today (1 November) provides more details on the proposals, which are likely to be approved by the Scottish parliament next year.

The £2 per person per night Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) will be used to fund cleaning and improvements to public areas and travel systems, plus other congestion alleviation and a “limited number of large-scale capital projects”, according to an Edinburgh Council report.

The report estimates the levy will bring in “between £5 million and £35 million a year” depending on how long the levy is paid by visitors and on which types of accommodation it is imposed. 

The scheme was backed by 90% of city residents in 2018 but has been delayed due to the pandemic.

Legislation is expected in early 2023 that will enable any Scottish location to follow Edinburgh’s example. Edinburgh Council has urged the Scottish parliament “to bring forward the TVL legislation at the earliest opportunity”.

The Council said implementing the measure “could take between 12 and 18 months”.