23-04-2025
Plan on booking a hotel in Glasgow? This is the tax everyone will pay
The plan is to charge 5% on top of all overnight accommodation in the city.
An association for self-catering owners has urged people to respond and let the council know what they think of the plan.
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The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers has said it will affect people in Glasgow and Scotland as well as visitors to the country.
It said people are also being charged more, claiming it is a 'tax on a tax' for people resident in Scotland.
The consultation began in February and will continue until May 2, next Friday, before it is closed to submissions.
The association, which is against a levy, said it will affect people booking an overnight stay after a gig at the Hydro, a theatre show in the city centre or visiting relatives in hospital.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, said: 'This is a pivotal moment and we urge all those with a stake in Scottish tourism, especially our important self-catering community, to respond to Glasgow's consultation without delay.
'Whether you are a local business, a Scottish resident who holidays in your own country, or someone who works away from home and relies on short-term accommodation – your voice matters.
'Tourism is not just for tourists, it's for families, workers, and communities. The outcomes of this will shape how, and whether, tourism can continue to grow and thrive in Glasgow.'
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The association said there are key differences between the Glasgow levy and those in other European cities.
She added: 'First, it is a tax on a tax: the 5% Glasgow levy itself would be subject to 20% VAT, something unheard of in Europe.
'Other destinations have a reduced rate of VAT on tourism services, where Scotland does not."
She said there needs to be transparency on who will be paying
She added: 'This is not an 'international' levy paid only by foreign tourists with exemptions for residents, but one applicable to ordinary Scots staying overnight in Glasgow who have already made a financial contribution to local services.
'It will be a tax on those with overnight stays taking in a concert at the Hydro; it will be a tax on those staying in accommodation while visiting a relative in hospital; and it will be a tax on hardworking families on a staycation.'
The cash raised is expected to be around £12m a year, based on 2,920,000 room nights a year at an average of £85 a night.
When the consultation was announced, Ricky Bell, City Treasurer, said the levy would ensure that visitors contribute to the city alongside residents.
He said: 'We think there is a strong case for a visitor levy - which means people who enjoy what our city has to offer, but who do not pay local taxes, are asked to contribute alongside citizens.
'Many Glaswegians will already be familiar with this sort of charge, which is very common abroad.'
