Edinburgh residents back tourism tax
More than 9 in 10 residents said they agreed with new charges.
Last updated 15th Jan 2019
Over 90% of Edinburgh's residents are in favour of a tax on tourism in the capital.
It comes after Edinburgh City Council's draft proposal to introduce a Transient Visitor Levy which would see a charge of 2%, or £2 per room per night.
More than 2,500 were asked their opinion on the new charge, with 91% of residents approving of the scheme, and 51% of accommodation providers.
Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council leader, said: Once again, we are finding that there is a huge swell of support for a tourist tax in Edinburgh with residents and all types of business backing a scheme that is fair, sustainable and one which would be reinvested into the ongoing success of our tourism and hospitality industry and the services which matter most to local people.
"Edinburgh welcomes over four-and-a-half million visitors annually, spending over #1.8 billion."
John Donnelly, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh, added: Combined with Marketing Edinburgh's own independent research - which found that 88% of summer visitors would still come to Edinburgh if a #2 per room, per night charge were in place and that 59% of residents are in favour - the results are conclusive. A transient visitor levy is a widely supported means of keeping the city at its best for residents, visitors and businesses alike."