Scotland Approves Tourist Tax: Edinburgh and Glasgow Set Implementation Dates

Tourist Tax Gets Green Light in Scottish Parliament

Scotland’s Parliament has passed the Visitor Levy Act, giving local councils power to tax overnight tourist stays. This new law allows councils to generate revenue for city maintenance and improvements using funds from tourism itself.

Edinburgh will begin collecting a 5% tourist tax from July 24, 2026, on all types of overnight accommodation. The levy applies to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering stays, and short-term lets like Airbnb rentals.

Officials estimate this will raise £50 million annually to support city infrastructure and public services.

Glasgow Follows Suit, Starting January 2027

Glasgow’s council has also approved a 5% tourist levy, with implementation expected by January 2027. The city aims to raise £16 million each year, with funds going toward cleaning, maintenance, and public events.

Accommodation providers will retain 1.5% of the levy; the rest supports city improvements.

Local Support and Public Consultation Drive Progress

Glasgow’s plan follows a public consultation involving local trade bodies and accommodation providers. All major political parties in the city supported the levy, citing its long-term benefits for residents and visitors.

Councillor Blair Anderson called it a “game-changer” for improving services and cleaning up city streets.

Why It Matters for Travelers and Residents

The levy ensures tourists contribute to the cities they enjoy, helping maintain spaces locals use daily. It mirrors tourist tax models already in place across Europe, making it familiar to international travellers.

Revenue will help balance tourism’s economic benefits with the real costs of infrastructure and maintenance.

With tourist numbers rising, Edinburgh and Glasgow are taking steps to manage the impact responsibly. By asking visitors to contribute directly, these cities aim to keep tourism beneficial for everyone involved.