Skift Take

Thanks to powers granted by the Scottish parliament, Edinburgh is leading the way on charging its visitors taxes on their hotel stays. We could see more tourist taxes pop up in Scotland, making the destination more expensive.

Dawit Habtemariam

Scotland will be getting its first tourist tax, a levy in Edinburgh, but the local tourism industry is concerned it will make the destination less competitive.

Last week, Edinburgh's city council approved a proposal (called "Transient Visitor Levy") to charge guests at hotels, short-term rentals, hostels and bed and breakfasts 5% per room night, capped at seven consecutive days, starting in 2026. For twelve weeks starting in September, there will be a public consultation phase about about the tax.