Latest news with #VisitorLevy
Edinburgh Reporter
2 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Tourist tax could generate £1m income in West Lothian
A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two-year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the timeline given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: '[We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said: 'It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linlithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a five per cent levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a five per cent levy. The lowest proposed levy of two per cent would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh Royal Mile tourist office to reopen under new management
Alongside providing visitor information and ticket sales for attractions and tours, the new 'Experience Scotland' centre will include a retail element featuring 'Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers,' Cobbs Group said. Councillors agreed a 25-year lease worth £150,000 per year for the unit at 249 High Street on Tuesday. After the closures were announced last year, the council considered taking over the running of the tourist office. However, the proposal was scrapped after it emerged it could cost the authority over £500,000 a year at a time when its budget is already under significant pressure. At a meeting last November where the idea was discussed, Councillor Stuart Dobbin, SNP, said: 'We're not in the tourism business.' He added: 'There are organisations that cater to tourists and I think we need to listen to expert organisations in that business such as VisitScotland and they're giving up the visitors' centre for a reason - that they can't make it work and that they've got alternative strategies for communicating with visitors.' A report to councillor this week states: 'Cobbs are an established tourism based retailer which has been in existence for over 30 years. They currently operate four hotels in the Highlands, 12 gift shops in key tourist locations and employ over 500 staff. They have recently taken over two former Visit Scotland premises in Fort William and Aberfoyle. 'The offer will consist of Scottish themed retailing featuring local producers such as Edinburgh Honey Company, Coco Chocolatier, and Red Box tea and coffee. 'The visitor offering will include an interactive area dedicated to providing visitor information and ticket sales for Edinburgh/Scottish attractions and tours. Cobbs have also confirmed that they would be keen to work with tour operators of all sizes to operate a desk within the property, potentially on a rota basis.' Read more: Cobbs said the centre will offer an 'authentic Scottish experience featuring predominantly Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers'. Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: "While more and more visitors are planning their trips to Edinburgh online, you can't beat a warm Scottish welcome face to face. "We believe there remains an appetite for this type of in-person experience for visitors, particularly with the draw of a shop and a café, so I'm pleased that we've been able to secure the visitor information centre's future. "This will prove invaluable as we encourage tourists to visit all parts of the city in all seasons as part of the city's tourism strategy, and as we introduce Edinburgh's Visitor Levy next summer. The lease will also support us to raise income worth £3.5 million over the next 25 years. "Cobbs is well established throughout Scotland with the family nearing 40 years of tourism experience and we're looking forward to welcoming them into the space." Fraser Campbell, managing director of the Cobbs Group, said: "We're well established in Scotland as the Cobbs group and we proudly operate 35 sites across the country. Opening a tourism office in the heart of Edinburgh is a dream and we're excited to take over the lease. Right in the heart of Edinburgh's festival action, it is the ideal site for showcasing everything the city and Scotland has to offer. 'We're particularly keen to highlight local experiences and 'Made in Scotland' items where we can and I'd urge makers and crafters to please get in touch so that we can offer a unique and authentic range for tourists to enjoy on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile.'
Edinburgh Live
11 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas." Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase . 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax on individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh Royal Mile tourist office to reopen under new operator
Alongside providing visitor information and ticket sales for attractions and tours, the new 'Experience Scotland' centre will include a retail element featuring 'Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers,' Cobbs Group said. Councillors agreed a 25-year lease worth £150,000 per year for the unit at 249 High Street on Tuesday, June 24. After the closures were announced last year, the council considered taking over the running of the tourist office. However, the proposal was scrapped after it emerged it could cost the authority over £500,000 a year at a time when its budget is already under significant pressure. At a meeting last November where the idea was discussed, Councillor Stuart Dobbin, SNP, said: 'We're not in the tourism business.' He added: 'There are organisations that cater to tourists and I think we need to listen to expert organisations in that business such as VisitScotland and they're giving up the visitors' centre for a reason - that they can't make it work and that they've got alternative strategies for communicating with visitors.' A report to councillor this week states: 'Cobbs are an established tourism based retailer which has been in existence for over 30 years. They currently operate four hotels in the Highlands, 12 gift shops in key tourist locations and employ over 500 staff. They have recently taken over two former Visit Scotland premises in Fort William and Aberfoyle. 'The offer will consist of Scottish themed retailing featuring local producers such as Edinburgh Honey Company, Coco Chocolatier, and Red Box tea and coffee. 'The visitor offering will include an interactive area dedicated to providing visitor information and ticket sales for Edinburgh/Scottish attractions and tours. Cobbs have also confirmed that they would be keen to work with tour operators of all sizes to operate a desk within the property, potentially on a rota basis.' Read more: Cobbs said the centre will offer an 'authentic Scottish experience featuring predominantly Scottish-made products, unlike many existing Royal Mile retailers'. Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: "While more and more visitors are planning their trips to Edinburgh online, you can't beat a warm Scottish welcome face to face. "We believe there remains an appetite for this type of in-person experience for visitors, particularly with the draw of a shop and a café, so I'm pleased that we've been able to secure the visitor information centre's future. "This will prove invaluable as we encourage tourists to visit all parts of the city in all seasons as part of the city's tourism strategy, and as we introduce Edinburgh's Visitor Levy next summer. The lease will also support us to raise income worth £3.5 million over the next 25 years. "Cobbs is well established throughout Scotland with the family nearing 40 years of tourism experience and we're looking forward to welcoming them into the space." Fraser Campbell, managing director of the Cobbs Group, said: "We're well established in Scotland as the Cobbs group and we proudly operate 35 sites across the country. Opening a tourism office in the heart of Edinburgh is a dream and we're excited to take over the lease. Right in the heart of Edinburgh's festival action, it is the ideal site for showcasing everything the city and Scotland has to offer. 'We're particularly keen to highlight local experiences and 'Made in Scotland' items where we can and I'd urge makers and crafters to please get in touch so that we can offer a unique and authentic range for tourists to enjoy on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile.'
