COUNCILLORS in Aberdeen have approved the introduction of a 7% visitor levy to go towards infrastructure used by tourists.
The so-called tourist tax was approved on Wednesday after months of public consultation and will be applied to bills for overnight stays at accommodation in the city.
The levy will not be implemented until at least April 2027, and the proposed charge will be the highest in Scotland, as both Edinburgh and Glasgow approved a 5% tax on tourists.
The council said the new charge could generate up to £6.8 million a year as the finance and resources committee heard that, with the average hotel room costing about £70 in the city, the levy would cost visitors an extra £4.90.
The rate applies to all overnight accommodation in Aberdeen, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering lets, but does not include cruise ships and motor homes.
The tax will also not be imposed on visitors or people receiving disability benefits, payments, or allowances.
Funds raised from the levy would help pay for infrastructure used by tourists such as upgrades to the Winter Gardens and replacement Christmas lights, the local authority said.
The council's finance convener Alex McLellan said: “The income generated from the visitor levy, paid by those visiting the city, will provide a huge boost to our local economy and allow us to invest in bringing major events and conferences here on a more regular basis.
“Across Europe we are paying similar amounts to stay per night subsidising their thriving economies, and we should do the same to ensure we can compete in terms of attracting both business and leisure tourism to Aberdeen.”
Steven Gow, chair of Visit Aberdeenshire, added that the scheme will drive the continued growth of Aberdeen’s visitor economy.
“Aberdeen welcomed 2.2 million overnight visits in 2024, contributing to an economic impact from tourism of over £500m. The headroom for growth in the leisure and conference sectors will be fulfilled through effective investment in promotion, events, and development of the tourism sector.”
