UKH warns against Edinburgh’s ‘unsustainable’ visitor levy

UKHospitality Scotland has warned Edinburgh City Council against increasing the proposed levy to an “unsustainable” level, following the first council vote agreed on an even higher levy than the proposed 5% in the draft scheme.

The trade body believes that the visitor levy must be kept “to a reasonable minimum”, as failure to do so will increase costs for both visitors and businesses in Edinburgh. 

Leon Thompson, executive director of UKH Scotland, said: “I would urge extreme caution against setting the levy at a level which could tip the balance towards this scheme having a detrimental impact to Edinburgh’s reputation as a leading destination.

“Business costs to set up and administer the levy will be significant and it’s positive that the Council has so far backed a mechanism for businesses to recover their costs.”

He added: “UKHospitality Scotland will consult with members across Edinburgh during the consultation period and respond, reflecting the views of our members.”