Aberdeen visitor levy consultation approved
Councillors hope the cash generated will support local growth
Aberdeen businesses will get their say on a potential visitor levy.
Councillors approved a consultation on the proposals which could see a 7% tax added onto an overnight stay in the city.
The earliest the plans could come into force is April 2027.
Convener of Finance and Resources Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Aberdeen City Council has developed the visitor levy scheme with key stakeholders which will now go out to consultation.
“There is the potential for the scheme to raise significant funds to help support our ambition to be a leading visitor destination.
“Our decision around whether or not to introduce a visitor levy will be informed by the consultation as it is important to consider the views of the trade, and a key part of that discussion will be around how the council could use the funds to boost the city’s economy, increase visitor numbers, and, in turn, fill hotel rooms.”
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act became law in September 2024 and last month, Edinburgh City Council was the first Scottish local authority to make use of the legislation.
Aberdeen's proposals would see a levy of around £5 per night on an average room of £70 a night.
It comes after research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found two-thirds of local authorities in Scotland are considering introducing the tourist tax.
Chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association Frank Whitaker said “It is fair to say that the hotel sector lobbied hard against legislation for a visitor levy.
“However, the law now enables local authorities across Scotland to implement a visitor levy, so it is incumbent on industry to work with local authorities to develop effective schemes that support local economic growth.
“The introduction of a visitor levy scheme in Aberdeen City has the potential to be a positive economic growth lever if correctly invested, benefitting not just all types of visitors to Aberdeen but also local residents.”
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