A recent YouGov poll reveals that Edinburgh and Cornwall are among the tourist destinations where residents support a tourist tax on overnight visitors, despite overall opposition across most of Britain. The government announced this year that England would grant mayors and local leaders powers to introduce such a tax, following Scotland and Wales.
The poll found that 51 per cent of Britons oppose a tourist tax, with 37 per cent in favour. However, specific areas show different sentiments. In Edinburgh, 67 per cent of residents support the tax, compared to 24 per cent who are opposed. Edinburgh introduced a five per cent fee on accommodation prices in July, making it the only destination in Britain with a statutory tourist tax.
Cornwall also shows a clear majority in favour, with 61 per cent supporting the idea. Cornwall is currently in the process of becoming a Foundation Strategic Authority, which would enable it to introduce a tourist tax under government proposals. Other areas with at least half their residents in support include Fife (57 per cent) and Cumbria (51-52 per cent).
Glasgow is set to introduce a five per cent overnight accommodation levy from 25 January 2027. The YouGov poll indicates that Glaswegians back local authorities being granted powers to levy a tourist tax by a margin of 48 per cent to 34 per cent.