Highland visitor levy set to be discussed at Inverness engagement forum organised by Inverness Chamber of Commerce
An event to discuss the potential introduction of a controversial visitor levy in the Highlands will be held in Inverness next month.
Organised by the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, the engagement forum - set to be hosted at Drumossie Hotel on Wednesday, March 5 - aims to explore the potential impact of the levy and generate productive solutions.
Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to attend, ensuring that a broad spectrum of views is represented.
Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “We recognise that a Visitor Levy could support vital infrastructure that will benefit both the tourism industry and local communities.
“However, we, and many businesses across the Highlands, have concerns about the proposed way that the Levy will be implemented, as well as a lack of information about how it will be invested.
“We will continue to say that we don’t agree with Highland Council’s proposed approach or the Scottish Governments legislation, but we want to create a forum that will focus on all aspects of the proposal and give participants the opportunity to suggest improvements.
“This forum will ensure that all perspectives are heard and will help generate recommendations that reflect the realities of operating a business in our region.”
The discussion aims to contribute to shaping “an informed response” to Highland Council’s consultation and to the Scottish Government’s legislation and help ensure that the voice of Highland businesses is “clearly articulated”, according to organisers.
The structured event will feature facilitated table workshops, allowing participants to collaborate, share perspectives, and provide feedback on how the levy could be executed in a way that considers the needs of businesses, communities, and the tourism industry as a whole.”
This is part of a wider consultation series, led by Highland Chambers of Commerce.
More information can be found on the Inverness Chamber of Commerce website or by contacting events@inverness-chamber.co.uk.
