Glasgow City Council proposes a visitor levy on overnight accommodation to generate £12.5 million annually, funding city improvements, events, and tourism promotion. The 5% levy, subject to consultation, would apply to various accommodation types and aim to enhance the visitor experience while supporting strategic assets like the SEC Campus.
Glasgow is set to introduce a visitor levy , a charge on overnight accommodation, which could generate £12.5 million annually for the city. City treasurer Ricky Bell will present the tax plan to councillors next week. The proposed levy, a 5% charge on accommodation spend, would apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodation. The revenue generated would be used to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal, fund events, and promote tourism.
The council's economic assessment suggests a 1% levy could raise £2.5 million, while a 5% levy is projected to yield £12.5 million. Councillors on the city administration committee will be asked to approve a formal consultation process on Thursday. Initial discussions with the tourism industry have indicated a preference for the funds not to be used for general budget purposes. The report emphasizes that visitor levies in Scotland must be dedicated to developing or supporting services utilized by visitors. Glasgow's plan outlines using the levy revenue to improve the city's visual appeal, invest in cultural and entertainment events, and engage in destination marketing to attract more tourists.The levy implementation process involves a 18-month period following the completion of the consultation. Accommodation providers would be responsible for collecting and remitting the levy, and a working group comprising Glasgow Life, the city's chamber of commerce, VisitScotland, Airbnb, and various accommodation industry associations has been instrumental in shaping the proposals.The report acknowledges concerns raised by accommodation providers regarding the potential economic impact of the levy, but it argues that a reasonable charge is unlikely to deter visitors. It cites past studies indicating minimal impact on visitor numbers. The council will monitor visitor numbers closely if the levy is implemented. Furthermore, exemptions from the levy are planned for vulnerable groups like homeless individuals, asylum seekers, and domestic abuse survivors who utilize overnight accommodation
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