Aberdeen Sets Record with Scotland’s Highest Tourist Tax Rate at 7%
Aberdeen City Council has given the green light to Scotland’s highest tourist tax rate at 7%. This new rate, which is set to take effect in April 2027, surpasses the 5% rates previously approved by Edinburgh and Glasgow. The visitor levy will be applicable to all types of overnight accommodation, including hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and self-catering properties.
Visitors can expect to pay an additional £4.90 ($6) per night, based on the average hotel room cost of £70 ($86). The council anticipates that this tax could generate up to £6.8 million ($8.4 million) annually. These funds are earmarked for infrastructure improvements and tourism marketing initiatives.
“The income generated from the visitor levy 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,” said Finance Committee Convener Alex McLellan. He further noted that similar taxes are a common practice across Europe to support thriving tourism economies.
Despite the potential benefits, the move has not been without opposition. Tourism industry groups have voiced their strong disapproval. The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers labelled it as “economic madness,” arguing that Aberdeen does not suffer from the same overtourism issues as other destinations. Critics are concerned that the high rate could deter visitors and negatively impact the local economy, with smaller accommodation providers likely to be hit the hardest.
Source: Fox News