Potential new legislation that will give councils the power to introduce a visitor levy to raise funds for local tourism facilities and services has passed its first hurdle.
The stage one vote was overwhelmingly endorsed by MSPs on Tuesday as they agreed to the general principles of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, aligning with respondents from across Scotland who previously took part in a Scottish Government consultation.
The bill will enable councils to apply a levy on overnight stays and all money raised would be reinvested in facilities and services that are used primarily by visitors for the benefit of tourists and local economies alike.
The decision on whether to introduce a levy on Arran will rest with North Ayrshire Council (NAC), who will be required to consult island communities, businesses and tourism organisations on whether a one should be brought in and how revenue would then be spent.
Representatives from the tourism industry, local government, the Scottish Government and other partners have formed an expert group to consider how the legislation could be best implemented if passed.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “Visitor levies are common throughout Europe and beyond.
“This bill would bring Scotland in line with the 21 countries across the European Union that allow local authorities to introduce such levies.
“Crucially, the decision on whether not to introduce such a levy on Arran would rest entirely with NAC - empowering the local authority to make such a decision based on local circumstances.
“As yet only the bill’s general principles have been agreed. It will be further deliberated on by committee at stage two, before being finally agreed or rejected at stage three.
“If introduced, this would represent a unique opportunity to lever in additional investment for Arran’s tourism facilities. This would in turn improve the visitor offering to the benefit of local businesses.
“Scottish ministers have committed to meaningful and constructive engagement with industry on the design of the scheme and I look forward to hearing the views of Arranachs on this issue.”
The levy, if approved, will be a percentage of the overnight accommodation cost with the rate set by NAC and collected by the accommodation providers before being remitted to the council. It will apply to almost all types of overnight accommodation, including hotels, self-catering accommodation, and campsites.
Further information on the proposed bill can be found here.
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