Earlier this month the City of Edinburgh Council agreed to progress to a formal consultation concerning the best possible arrangements for introducing a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) / Tourist tax in the city. The consultation aims to capture the views of stakeholders across the city, but particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sector, city businesses and investors, culture partners, visitors, and residents.
This is an opportunity to have your views heard on the specific proposals City of Edinburgh Council is making around an Edinburgh TVL. To give us your views, please click on the link below and fill in the questionnaire. When you have completed the questionnaire, please share the link among your networks.
The ASSC does not support a Tourist Tax, while there has been no economic impact assessment of whether such a tax could be detrimental to local operators or the economy. It should also be noted that Scotland has the highest rate of VAT in Europe, at 20%. Other cities that have introduced a tourist tax charge significantly lower VAT on tourism services. You can read our position here, before taking part in the consultation: ASSC TVL Written Evidence.
Take part in our online consultation
Alongside the online consultation, there will also be an opportunity to get involved in consultation events aimed specifically at industry and businesses across the city and resident events happening across the city in the coming months.
The Council will host a consultation event for city accommodation investors on:
- Monday 5 November 2018 – 2:30pm to 4pm
The Council will also host 3 consultation events the hospitality and tourism sector, city businesses and culture partners on:
- Monday 19 November 2018 – 11:30am to 1pm
- Monday 26 November 2018 – 11:30am to 1pm
- Thursday 29 November 2018 – 2pm to 3:30pm
If you would like to attend any of these events please send a confirmation by email tostrategyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Finally, the Council will also be hosting 6 resident focus groups taking place during the consultation period.