Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to introduce a tourist tax, officially known as the Transient Visitor Levy (TVL), aimed at addressing tourism-related challenges and enhancing the visitor experience. The tax, approved by the City of Edinburgh Council, is expected to generate around £50 million annually.
The levy will apply to accommodations such as hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, and rentals through platforms like Airbnb. The funds will be used to maintain cleanliness, improve infrastructure, and address housing challenges while enhancing the city’s appeal to tourists.
Council leader Cammy Day emphasized the tax’s role in managing tourism pressures, saying it will help keep the city enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
Edinburgh joins a growing list of global destinations, including Venice, Barcelona, Paris, Bali, and Greece, that have implemented similar measures to balance tourism growth with sustainability.
