Business groups warn against Highland tourist tax
- Published
Four chambers of commerce in the Highlands have raised concerns about the possible introduction of a tourist tax.
Highland Council is consulting on a 5% visitor levy which it says could generate at least £10m a year for the region.
But Cairngorm, Caithness, Lochaber and Inverness chambers say the extra cost on holiday accommodation could put visitors off coming to the Highlands.
Highland Council has been approached for comment.
It has previously said money raised from the levy could be used to improve infrastructure, such as roads.
Highland Council started a 12-week public consultation last month.
The local authority has said the levy could be introduced in September 2026.
MSPs approved a plan in May for councils to add a charge to overnight accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets.
Accommodation providers would be responsible for collecting the levy from visitors.
How much extra could a holiday in the Highlands cost you at 5%?
£62.75Two adults and three children on a week-long £1,255 self-catering spring break in Aviemore
£9.95Parent and two children taking a £199 holiday on a caravan site in Embo
£22.65For a couple on a £453 three-night stay in a high-end Inverness hotel in February
![In numbers:. How much extra could a holiday in the Highlands cost you at 5%? [ £62.75 Two adults and three children on a week-long £1,255 self-catering spring break in Aviemore ],[ £9.95 Parent and two children taking a £199 holiday on a caravan site in Embo ] [ £22.65 For a couple on a £453 three-night stay in a high-end Inverness hotel in February ], Source: Source: Highland Council, Image: A person stands in an arch in a wall of Strome Castle. The ruins are capped by grasses and moss and overlook a loch.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/920/idt2/idt2/98959fe3-31ce-400c-a1a6-3f803828918e/image/460)
Chambers of commerce are associations or networks of businesspeople.
The four Highland groups want the work towards introducing a Highland tourist tax paused and reviewed.
They are concerned it would put an administrative burden on businesses and put the region at a competitive disadvantage.
In a joint statement, the chambers said: "We understand that change is needed for the tourism industry and are very happy to explore all options with relevant stakeholders.
"We believe that a well-considered and carefully implemented approach to tourism development is crucial for the long-term success of the Highlands.
"Therefore, we urge caution and a thorough review of the proposed visitor levy before any decisions are made."
The Highlands get more than six million visitors a year - including day trippers, overseas tourists and cruise passengers, according to Highland Council's figures.
Among its attractions are the North Coast 500 tourist route, which starts and finishes in Inverness, also the landscape of Skye and beaches along its 3,050 miles (4,905 km) of coastline.
The area also has parts of the Cairngorms National Park - the UK's largest national park - and in the north the new Unesco Flow Country World Heritage site.
Highland, Edinburgh and Aberdeen and other councils supported proposals for the tourist tax six years ago.