Edinburgh Council Approves Visitor Levy to Fund City Improvements

The new tourist tax aims to raise millions annually for public services and infrastructure, amidst mixed reactions from local businesses.

Edinburgh will be the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax, similar to those in Amsterdam and Barcelona.
The levy will apply to paid accommodations, excluding campsites, with a proposed 5% charge per night.
Revenue generated will be invested in city maintenance, affordable housing, and cultural heritage preservation.
A 12-week consultation will gather public input on the final details of the levy, set to be agreed in January 2025.
Local business leaders express concerns over increased costs for visitors and the potential impact on tourism.