15th August 2024
Communities, businesses and stakeholders across the North Highlands are invited to give their views on a proposed Visitor Levy.
In May 2024, The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, legislation which provides local authorities the power to introduce a levy to be charged on purchase of overnight accommodation. Hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, self-catering, camping and caravan sites, vehicles and vessels which are predominantly situated in one place, and any place where a room or area is offered for residential purposes otherwise than the visitor’s main residence are included in the Act.
In the Highland region, there is a requirement that The Highland Council publishes a proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and completes public consultation on this before a scheme can be implemented. There is also a minimum 18-month period from a finalised proposal, so the earliest a Visitor Levy Scheme can be introduced is 2026.
As the Destination Management Organisation for Caithness and Sutherland, Venture North is continuing to collect evidence of opinions on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme in order to best represent the region and be the voice for responsible and sustainable tourism in the far north.
This year, Venture North attended the Sutherland Agricultural Show, Durness Highland Gathering and Mey Highland Games to gauge opinions on the proposed visitor levy and priority areas any visitor levy funds should be spent on. Venture North also have a fuller online survey open until the end of August 2024 which they are encouraging all to complete.
Cathy Earnshaw, Destination Strategy Manager at Venture North said:
“From our survey last year, we know that there were very marginal results for and against a Visitor Levy, but the majority of responses showed concerns as to the financial impacts on businesses, the risks of encouraging visitors to choose other destinations that offered better value for money or that it would encourage more stays out with camping and caravan sites. There was also clear direction as to the need for regional input to the management of any future funds raised by a Levy for the benefit of all.
As part of this year’s engagement at the Highland shows where we had over 500 votes, 60% showed desire for Visitor Levy funds to be used on visitor infrastructure and services. We also heard many other viewpoints in our conversations. Hearing what businesses, visitors and residents want for the region and the future protection of our environment and cultures is important, so we can effectively engage with The Highland Council on the Visitor Levy. Please give us your views in our survey!”
Those who complete the survey will be in with a chance of winning prizes kindly donated by Venture North business members: Connell Outdoor Pursuits, Dunrobin Castle, Konstantina Pateraki Jewellery, Marks & Pencils, North Coast Watersports, Strathnaver Museum and Sutherland Adventure Company.
To take part in Venture North’s Visitor Levy survey, visit the online portal here or email info@venture-north.co.uk.