Edinburgh will become the first UK city to implement a mandatory tourist tax, aiming to raise £50 million annually to support local services and infrastructure.
Edinburgh is set to introduce the UK's first mandatory city-wide tourist tax from July 2026. The levy, which will be 5% plus VAT on all stays booked from May 1st, 2026 onwards, is expected to raise up to £50m annually. The funds will be invested in social housing, public parks, tourism facilities, and arts and cultural events to mitigate the impact of mass tourism. City officials recommend a long lead-in time to ensure visitors are aware of the charge in advance.
Councillors are expected to vote on the scheme on Friday, after over six years of development. This levy will cover all types of accommodation, from campsites and hostels to hotels and Airbnb properties, affecting an estimated 4,000 providers. A fixed fee of 75p per night is anticipated for campsites and hostels, while other accommodations will face a £1.25 charge. Other English cities, like Manchester and Liverpool, have implemented smaller-scale voluntary visitor levies, but Edinburgh's scheme is the first to encompass all accommodation types and operate on a city-wide basis
Tourism Tourist Tax Edinburgh UK Hospitality
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First Captive-Born Maugean Skate Celebrates First BirthdayThe Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart celebrates the first birthday of the first captive-born Maugean skate, a milestone in their breeding program to restore the endangered species.
Read more »
‘So beautiful’: After years of delays, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro train lineYears of start-and-stop construction means the seemingly new ticket vending machines are partly obsolete: they accept coins that are no longer in circulation.
Read more »
‘So beautiful’: After years of delays, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro train lineYears of start-and-stop construction means the seemingly new ticket vending machines are partly obsolete: they accept coins that are no longer in circulation.
Read more »
‘So beautiful’: After years of delays, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro train lineYears of start-and-stop construction means the seemingly new ticket vending machines are partly obsolete: they accept coins that are no longer in circulation.
Read more »
Edinburgh International Festival Opening Event Cancelled Due to Funding ConcernsThe Edinburgh International Festival's opening event has been cancelled this year due to ongoing funding challenges. The festival warns of losing its prestigious status without increased public and philanthropic support.
Read more »
How we met: ‘It was like love at first sight’Lisa and Andrea, both 64, met in New Jersey 40 years ago. Despite living on different continents, they’ve been friends ever since
Read more »