After years of campaigning and engagement – including successfully advocating for a visitor levy to the Scottish Government to bring forward necessary powers – the Council is set to agree the Visitor Levy for Edinburgh scheme later this month.

Following support from Councillors in August and the results of a 12-week public consultation, updated officer proposals will be considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Friday, 17 January and by all Councillors at a special meeting on Friday, 24 January.

With over 4,500 responses, the wide-ranging consultation with residents, businesses and visitors reveals most people are aware of and supportive of the Council’s Visitor Levy plans. Slight adjustments to officer recommendations have been made to reflect the public feedback, including:

• 5-night cap: Capping Edinburgh’s levy at 5 consecutive nights per person, rather than 7
• Campsites and caravans: Temporary campsites and parks proposed to be liable for the levy
• Refunds within 5 working days: for all visitors eligible for national exemptions
• New transition period: a levy grace period until May 2025 for bookings made for July 2026
• Admin support for accommodation providers: equalling 2% of visitor levy income

If agreed, Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy charge will start being applied to bookings made on and after 1 May 2025 to stay in overnight accommodation in the city on and after 24 July 2026, representing a significant step forward in securing a new funding stream for the city. Once established, the levy is expected to raise up to £50 million a year.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said:

“This is the moment we have been working towards – a once in a lifetime opportunity to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most beautiful, enjoyable destinations in the world.

“With income of up to £50 million expected once it is established, the funding could provide Edinburgh with the single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium, providing a unique opportunity to further improve and protect all that makes Edinburgh the incredible destination it is today.

“We’ll be able to use funds to help us manage tourism sustainably and boost projects which benefit the experience of visitors and residents. I’m looking forward to working with Councillors to agree the scheme this month, which will allow further work to be carried out on the details of Edinburgh’s new levy.”