Pause visitor levy plans, councils urged
September 24, 2025
Following Argyll and Bute Council pausing the possible implementation of a visitor levy, UKHospitality Scotland is urging other local authorities to follow suit.
Amid legislative uncertainty and the unknown economic impact of visitor levies, UKHospitality Scotland is urging local authorities to review whether plans to implement a levy is right for their areas.
Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway, and Perth and Kinross councils are all currently consulting on a levy.
Members can track proposed levies in Scotland using our tracker.
We have broken down the stages of each visitor levy with the relevant local authority exclusively for members to keep informed with the updates across Scotland.
Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “The impact of a visitor levy on visitors and businesses is still unknown, so Argyll and Bute Council is right to rule out implementation of a visitor levy.
“Argyll and Bute’s consultation showed a majority of respondents did not support the levy and this is a clear example of a council listening and acting on concerns from local residents, businesses and trade associations like UKHospitality Scotland.
“There remain many questions about the visitor levy – from its economic impact to how it will be legislated in the future. There is now uncertainty about whether, or when, visitor levy legislation will be changed to allow the use of a flat rate fee.
“I hope other councils will follow the pragmatic approach of Argyll and Bute by pausing their plans and taking stock of the economic realities of accommodation businesses.”
