UK seaside city to introduce country's most expensive tourist tax - more than Berlin
Not everyone is keen on the 7% tax plans on overnight stays, which would see an average hotel room bring in £5 per night.
Aberdeen is planning on introducing the most expensive tourist tax in the UK which the local council hopes would boost the city’s economy. Aberdeen City Council’s finance and resources committee has approved the move which will see a 7% tax on overnight stays, bringing in £5 per night on an average hotel room priced at £70.
In comparison, the standard tourist tax in Berlin, Germany, is 5% of the cost of accommodation. The plans are going out for public consultation and, if approved, won’t come into effect until April 1, 2027, at the earliest.Aberdeen is a port city on Scotland’s North Sea coast, with attractions including the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery and surrounding beaches. Councillor Alex McLellan, the council’s Convener of finance and resources, said the scheme has the potential to “raise significant funds to help support our ambition to be a leading visitor destination”.
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He said: “Our decision around whether or not to introduce a visitor levy will be informed by the consultation as it is important to consider the views of the trade, and a key part of that discussion will be around how the council could use the funds to boost the city’s economy, increase visitor numbers, and, in turn, fill hotel rooms.”
Some have raised concerns over the plans which exclude cruise ships and motor homes.
David Weston, from the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association, expressed his surprise over the tax, telling BBC Scotland News: “I'm astonished, because Aberdeen does not suffer from over tourism.
“They're not looking at all at the dangers to tourism and the damage that would to do to tourism, to Aberdeen, which would have a wider impact across the whole of the economy.”
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According to the Press and Journal, Conservative Councillor Richard Brooks said: “This is another tax on people.
“I don't want to portray the city council as the Grim Reaper, but the timing of this is questionable.
“Council tax will rise shortly, there are additional restrictions to cars with LEZ and bus gates.”
A bill was passed last year, allowing councils across Scotland to charge a fee or tax on overnight stays in some types of accommodation.
Frank Whitaker, chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, said there has been concern over the levy but believes it could have a positive impact.
He said: “It is fair to say that the hotel sector lobbied hard against legislation for a visitor levy. However, the law now enables local authorities across Scotland to implement a visitor levy, so it is incumbent on industry to work with local authorities to develop effective schemes that support local economic growth.
“The introduction of a visitor levy scheme in Aberdeen City has the potential to be a positive economic growth lever if correctly invested, benefitting not just all types of visitors to Aberdeen but also local residents.”
Edinburgh, a popular destination for tourists from across the world, is introducing a 5% tourist tax from next year, while Glasgow is holding a public consultation over a levy at the same rate.
Wales is planning on introducing a visitor levy, which would cost £1.25 per person per night for those staying in most types of accommodation.