Industry chief calls for halt in tourist tax

The industry body representing self-catering venues in Scotland has blasted the introduction of a ‘visitor levy’ across West Dunbartonshire after the move was given the green light.

- STUART MCFARLANE

The proposals were approved by local authority councillors at a meeting earlier this month - with the new charge seeing visitors having to pay an extra five per cent on top of their bill.

It will affect any overnight stays in accommodation including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering units, caravan parks and campsites.

Many European countries, including tourist hotspots in Germany and Spain, already have so called ‘tourist taxes’ in place - with West Dunbartonshire set to be the fourth authority in Scotland to introduce it after Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Visitors having overnight stays in accommodation including hotels and bed and breakfasts will need to pay the fee.