Aberdeen considers a 7% tourist tax on overnight stays starting in 2027, potentially adding approximately £5 a night.
They could charge visitors 7% starting April 2027. Locals seem pretty surprised by this idea.
Aberdeen considers a visitor levy program. This means a tourist tax on overnight stays. Councillors will discuss the proposed 7% tax next week. The council committee is reviewing a report.
It asks them to consider the 7% levy. This could increase visitor costs by about £5 per night. Setting up the levy could cost £60,000.
Income from the tax might reach £7.6 million. It should generate at least £6.35 million. Places like hotels and hostels could add the tax.
Guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering spots too. Even caravan sites might apply it. Many areas in Scotland are thinking about this.
Two-thirds consider a visitor levy. The Federation of Small Businesses gathered this data. Aberdeen’s proposed tax seems higher than others.
Other councils are also thinking about it. The amount is still being discussed. David Weston felt surprised by the high tax rate. He said Aberdeen does not have too many tourists already.
This high rate could be harmful. He told BBC Scotland the tax could hurt Aberdeen’s economy. Tourism may suffer across the whole region, according to him.
Edinburgh will be first to add a tourist tax. It aims to raise £50 million per year. Councillors voted for a 5% charge on overnight stays.
Visitors to Edinburgh pay 5% per night. This applies for a maximum of seven nights. It starts July 24, 2026, at hotels and B&Bs.