The list of Scottish cities introducing tourist taxes is expanding as local authorities seek new ways to fund tourism infrastructure and manage visitor impact. The latest to join is Aberdeen, which has announced plans to implement a 7% visitor levy starting April 1, 2027.
Aberdeen City Council approved the measure, which will apply to overnight stays in hotels, hostels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations, as per a BBC news report.
The levy will be added to bills for overnight stays at hotels, hostels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations across Aberdeen. On average, visitors staying in a £70 hotel room would pay an additional £4.90 due to the tax. However, certain groups will be exempt. These include people traveling on cruise ships, motor home users, and individuals who receive disability payments. The council aims to ensure the levy is fair and does not discourage important visitor segments.
Purpose behind the levy
Money raised through this tax will be used to improve the infrastructure that supports tourism in Aberdeen. This includes better maintenance of public spaces, transport, and facilities that visitors and locals both use. According to the BBC report, Alex McLellan, Aberdeen’s finance convener, stated, “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.” The council hopes these investments will increase tourism further and support local businesses.
Aberdeen saw over two million overnight stays in 2024, with tourism linked closely to the city’s key industries like golf and the offshore energy sector. Stephen Gow, chairman of VisitAberdeenshire, emphasized that tourism is a vital part of Aberdeen’s economy and job market. The city attracts visitors year-round for sporting events, business conferences, and leisure travel.
Tourist taxes in other Scottish cities
Aberdeen’s new levy follows a trend among Scottish cities. Edinburgh and Glasgow introduced a 5% visitor tax earlier in 2025. These charges apply to a broad range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering rentals. The aim is to raise funds specifically to support tourism infrastructure and city upkeep amid rising visitor numbers.
As per the BBC report, Edinburgh’s experience shows that tourist taxes can generate significant revenue. The money helps maintain attractions, improve transport, and fund cultural events that draw visitors. Since September 2024, Scottish local authorities have had the power to introduce such levies. While some councils like Highland are considering similar taxes, others like the Western Isles have paused their plans after analysis showed limited benefits and potential harm to local tourism.
Aberdeen City Council approved the measure, which will apply to overnight stays in hotels, hostels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations, as per a BBC news report.
The levy will be added to bills for overnight stays at hotels, hostels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations across Aberdeen. On average, visitors staying in a £70 hotel room would pay an additional £4.90 due to the tax. However, certain groups will be exempt. These include people traveling on cruise ships, motor home users, and individuals who receive disability payments. The council aims to ensure the levy is fair and does not discourage important visitor segments.
Purpose behind the levy
Money raised through this tax will be used to improve the infrastructure that supports tourism in Aberdeen. This includes better maintenance of public spaces, transport, and facilities that visitors and locals both use. According to the BBC report, Alex McLellan, Aberdeen’s finance convener, stated, “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.” The council hopes these investments will increase tourism further and support local businesses.
Aberdeen saw over two million overnight stays in 2024, with tourism linked closely to the city’s key industries like golf and the offshore energy sector. Stephen Gow, chairman of VisitAberdeenshire, emphasized that tourism is a vital part of Aberdeen’s economy and job market. The city attracts visitors year-round for sporting events, business conferences, and leisure travel.
Tourist taxes in other Scottish cities
Aberdeen’s new levy follows a trend among Scottish cities. Edinburgh and Glasgow introduced a 5% visitor tax earlier in 2025. These charges apply to a broad range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering rentals. The aim is to raise funds specifically to support tourism infrastructure and city upkeep amid rising visitor numbers.
As per the BBC report, Edinburgh’s experience shows that tourist taxes can generate significant revenue. The money helps maintain attractions, improve transport, and fund cultural events that draw visitors. Since September 2024, Scottish local authorities have had the power to introduce such levies. While some councils like Highland are considering similar taxes, others like the Western Isles have paused their plans after analysis showed limited benefits and potential harm to local tourism.
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