Highland Council extends visitor levy scheme consultation period and if it is agreed it could be in force by the winter of 2026
The consultation period for the north’s visitor levy scheme has been extended by seven weeks until March 31 next year, as Highland Council confirms if it is agreed it could be implemented by the winter of 2026.
The consultation on the proposals that would see visitors to the region charged per overnight stay in accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and AirBnBs was launched last month.
The extension, the council said, is to strengthen the involvement of the tourism industry with a number of reference group meetings to be held in January, February and March.
The move to consider the levy was prompted after significant and ongoing complaints – mostly centred on the NC500 – about the huge wave of visitors to the region.
Local infrastructure is not sufficient to sustain the volume of traffic, for example, while those who do come do not pay anything towards the upkeep of crumbling roads.
The tourist industry and many hospitality operators appear to be dead set against it despite evidence from tourist hotspots abroad that it has not put anyone off travelling.
There is also concern at home that locals could be double-charged for staycations in their own region or worse that expectant mothers forced to travel from the far north to Inverness to give birth may be charged for their accommodation.
The chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said the consultation “has already received an excellent level of public response and we are keen to build upon this further.
“We want the process to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that it fairly and accurately captures opinion and feedback from across the region.”
“Tourism is one of our most important sectors. The introduction of a five per cent visitor levy in the Highlands could generate £10 million each year – money that can be used to sustain, support and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on.
“As well as improving existing infrastructure, it would allow opportunities to look at providing new facilities to help ensure everyone visiting Highland will have a high-quality experience. With the extended consultation period, should Members agree to implement a Visitor Levy Scheme, the earliest such a scheme could be implemented in Highland is Winter 2026.”
Craig Mills, the CEO of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, welcomed the news about the extension but said the scheme should be directed towards the “priorities of both visitors and the tourism industry” rather than local taxpayers.
He said: “We are pleased to see that Highland Council has listened to the tourism industry in the Highlands and made the important decision to extend the Visitor Levy consultation deadline to March 31.
“A well-implemented visitor levy has the potential to bring significant benefits to our region, provided the funds are directed toward the priorities of both visitors and the tourism industry.
“It is crucial to get this right for all stakeholders, particularly given the current financial pressures facing both businesses and visitors. The consultation phase is a vital opportunity to ensure the levy is introduced thoughtfully and effectively, addressing the needs of our communities and the tourism sector.”
