MSPs vote for tourist tax despite fears over business

PLANS for a tourist tax in Scotland have been passed by MSPs, despite concerns over the impact on businesses.

Legislation giving councils powers to impose a ‘visitor levy’ on overnight stays was passed by 83 votes to 27, with four abstentions yesterday.

Local authorities will be able to impose a charge on those who are staying in hotels and bed and breakfasts, self-catering accommodation and campsites and caravan parks.

The Scottish Government also

‘Additional cost to holidays’

said it is ‘open to introducing’ a similar levy on cruise ships, with a consultation to take place later this year.

Ministers previously said motorhomes would not be included, despite demands from areas affected by wild camping.

Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: ‘Charges will add additional cost to holidays for visitors. This will add to the competitive disadvantage Scotland currently faces.’

Tourism brings in £7.6billion annually to the Scottish economy and employs 290,000.

The Scottish Conservatives, who opposed the legislation, argued there needed to be a more ‘robust’ exemption scheme.

Employment and investment minister Tom Arthur said tourist tax charges are ‘common in many parts of the world’.