Edinburgh Introduces 5% Tourist Tax on Overnight Stays

Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to introduce a tourist tax, with a 5% visitor levy taking effect on Friday for overnight stays in hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation, according to BBC. The charge is capped at five nights and is expected to raise about £45m-£50m a year by the 2028/29 financial year. City of Edinburgh Council said the money will be reinvested in local services and facilities used by visitors and residents, including housing, cultural projects, public toilets and a new city centre policing unit. The levy also applies to some other accommodation types, including hostels, holiday lets, aparthotels, moored boats and caravan and camp sites, while day visitors are exempt. Edinburgh follows other European cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Rome, and similar schemes are planned elsewhere in Scotland, including Glasgow and Aberdeen.