Invest Daily Pro
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
Invest Daily Pro
No Result
View All Result
Home Top News

Millions of UK tourists could face new visitor levies as councils seek to fund services

by
November 25, 2024
in Top News
0
Millions of UK tourists could face new visitor levies as councils seek to fund services
0
SHARES
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Tourists visiting the UK may soon be asked to pay local visitor levies as councils consider introducing overnight stay charges to support services strained by over-tourism.

The move follows similar measures in European destinations like Berlin and Barcelona and aims to address the challenges posed by record visitor numbers in popular areas.

Nearly half of Scotland’s local councils, including Highland, Orkney, and the Western Isles, are exploring a tourist tax. Highland council has begun consultations on a 5% overnight stay levy, potentially raising £10 million annually to improve infrastructure and facilities. Edinburgh is set to lead the UK by implementing a mandatory levy in July 2026, projected to generate £50 million per year.

In Wales, the government plans to unveil proposals for a visitor levy to fund tourism and local amenities, focusing on hotspots such as Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, and Cardiff.

Highland council’s economy chair, Ken Gowans, emphasised the need for sustainable tourism, saying, “The wear and tear isn’t caused by locals, but they’re paying for it through council tax. If we have this money, we can maintain and improve services for visitors and residents alike.”

Over-tourism has strained destinations such as Skye’s fairy pools, the North Coast 500 route, and Orkney’s Neolithic sites. The travel guide Fodor’s recently placed the North Coast 500 on its “No list” due to its popularity creating tensions, with clogged roads, overwhelmed campsites, and environmental concerns.

In the Lake District, a study suggested introducing charges for overnight stays or car use to mitigate the environmental burden on the national park, which hosts 18 million visitors annually but has just 40,000 residents.

While some industry leaders, including VisitScotland, back the levy as a way to invest in sustainable tourism, others warn it could deter visitors. Critics, including hoteliers in Inveraray, have labelled the tax as “financial suicide,” arguing it may reduce spending and add administrative burdens.

However, Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District, said similar levies in Europe have improved destinations. “We’re not anti-tourist. In many cases, visitor numbers actually increase after a levy is introduced because the place becomes better,” he noted.

As councils across the UK move closer to implementing visitor levies, they aim to balance the needs of local communities with those of visitors. By reinvesting revenue into infrastructure, the levies could support sustainable tourism while ensuring long-term benefits for popular destinations.

ShareTweetPin

Related Posts

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits
Top News

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits

January 8, 2025
First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA
Top News

First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA

January 8, 2025
December inflation rises to 2.9%
Top News

December inflation rises to 2.9%

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B
Top News

PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B

January 7, 2025
Next Post
Study Reveals ‘Security Chaos’ Threatening Cybersecurity

Study Reveals ‘Security Chaos’ Threatening Cybersecurity

Recommended

NU ready to rebuild another dynasty with Pagdulagan

NU ready to rebuild another dynasty with Pagdulagan

December 17, 2024
How to Memorize (Hifz) Quran at Home

How to Memorize (Hifz) Quran at Home

November 13, 2024
Daniel Meier, CEO of Oreco Consulting, Receives Nomination for European CEO Awards

Daniel Meier, CEO of Oreco Consulting, Receives Nomination for European CEO Awards

January 1, 2025
Isuzu eyes EV launches in Philippines

Isuzu eyes EV launches in Philippines

August 19, 2024
Meralco’s new facility to power PLDT’s Laguna data center

Meralco’s new facility to power PLDT’s Laguna data center

November 5, 2024
IFC, EU outline support for PHL green transition

IFC, EU outline support for PHL green transition

August 5, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 InvestDailyPro. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimer: InvestDailyPro.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively InvestDailyPro ) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice.
    The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Suspicious engagement
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Thank you

    Copyright © 2024 investdailypro.com | All Rights Reserved