Councillors have given the inexperienced gentle for the introduction of a 7% customer levy for Aberdeen.
The “tourist tax” is not going to come into power till a minimum of April 2027, however it’s anticipated to generate thousands and thousands of kilos a yr that will likely be reinvested again into the town.
The cost for in a single day stays will apply to paid lodging, together with lodges, B&Bs, hostels, visitor homes, tenting websites, caravan parks, and vessels which are completely or predominantly located in a single place.
Cruise ships and motor properties will likely be exempt from the levy, in addition to these in receipt of incapacity funds.
A report back to Aberdeen Metropolis Council’s finance and assets committee mentioned that with the typical resort room costing about £70, the levy would price an additional £4.90 per night time.
On that foundation, the brand new cost may generate as much as £6.8m a yr.
Funds raised will likely be put in direction of tasks that assist improve leisure and enterprise tourism within the metropolis.
The committee accredited the levy on Wednesday.
It would carry Aberdeen in keeping with different customer sizzling spots, together with Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam and New York.
Councillor Alex McLellan, committee convener, mentioned: “The income generated from the visitor levy, paid by those visiting the city, will provide a huge boost to our local economy and allow us to invest in bringing major events and conferences here on a more regular basis.
“Throughout Europe we’re paying related quantities to remain per night time subsidising their thriving economies, and we should always do the identical to make sure we are able to compete when it comes to attracting each enterprise and leisure tourism to Aberdeen.”
The levy comes after Holyrood final yr handed laws giving councils throughout Scotland the power to introduce such a cost.
Each Edinburgh and Glasgow have accredited a 5% levy on in a single day stays in lodges, short-term lets and B&Bs.
Edinburgh’s vacationer tax will come into power from 24 July 2026, whereas Glasgow’s will observe on 25 January 2027.
Stephen Gow, chair of VisitAberdeenshire, mentioned: “A well-managed scheme that supports the aims of the region’s destination strategy will drive continued growth of Aberdeen’s visitor economy.
“Aberdeen welcomed 2.2 million in a single day visits in 2024, contributing to an financial affect from tourism of over £500m.
“The headroom for growth in the leisure and conference sectors will be fulfilled through effective investment in promotion, events, and development of the tourism sector.”
