INDUSTRY trade body UKHospitality Scotland has warned against increasing the proposed Edinburgh visitor levy to an unsustainable level, following a first Council vote in the city.
Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “The visitor levy will increase costs for both visitors and businesses in Edinburgh, and that cost must be kept to a reasonable minimum.
“It’s concerning that an even higher levy has been proposed than the 5% in the draft scheme. I would urge extreme caution against setting the levy at a level which could tip the balance towards this scheme having a detrimental impact to Edinburgh’s reputation as a leading destination.
“Business costs to set up and administer the levy will be significant and it’s positive that the Council has so far backed a mechanism for businesses to recover their costs.
“UKHospitality Scotland will consult with members across Edinburgh during the consultation period and respond, reflecting the views of our members.”
