Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy

Tourism plays a key role in Argyll and Bute and we remain ambitious for the area as a top visitor destination. With growing tourism pressures and shrinking public sector budgets, we need to investigate options that could help raise income locally, sustain relevant public services impacted by the tourism industry, and make improvements to the future delivery of tourism across Argyll and Bute. We are therefore exploring opportunities from the Scottish Government Visitor Levy legislation.

Consultation on visitor levy to be considered by Council

People in Argyll and Bute could have the chance to give their views on a visitor levy for the area if councillors approve a three month consultation exercise when they meet next week.

The draft consultation includes questions on what people would like funding from a levy, if introduced, to be spent on. Examples in the report going to Council include services to extend the visitor season, infrastructure options from toilets to transport, and support for individual tourism businesses.

The draft consultation asks businesses what support they would like if a levy was introduced. It also invites views on how much a levy should be; and for anyone against a levy being introduced, how they would see investment in tourism being paid for.

Elements of the visitor levy are set in law, such as the types of overnight accommodation a levy would apply to. There would also be a need for any council introducing a levy to report annually to the Scottish Government on how levy income is spent on services supporting the visitor economy. The draft consultation and report will be considered when councillors meet on Friday 20 December.

The full report and draft consultation going to the Council is available on the council website. For more information about a visitor levy see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Did you know?

There are 20 times more visitors to Argyll and Bute than there are in the total population of the area and this has an impact on the wear and tear of local infrastructure and services. A Visitor Levy presents an opportunity to improve and develop these services for everyone, by securing revenue that will allow for much-needed funding in many areas.
Funds from a Visitor Levy could be used to support tourism businesses to develop their services; improve local infrastructure that benefits tourists; create culture and heritage opportunities, including events; and develop connectivity to make it easier to travel between islands and destinations.
With over 21,000 bed spaces (serviced and unserviced), tourism in Argyll and Bute is one of the area’s largest sectors in terms of economic impact and employment. Visitor levy funds could help to support and sustain local services and infrastructure for the visitor economy and residents.

Find out more on the Visit Scotland website. For more information about the situation in Argyll and Bute please see our Frequently Asked Questions.