The Highland Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting on 25 August to consider draft proposals for a new visitor levy. The proposed scheme outlines a fixed-rate tourist tax of £5 per room, per night, for hotels and short-term lets, with a £2 levy for hostels and campsites.
The charge would be applied for nine months of the year, excluding December, January, and February. Accommodation providers would retain five per cent of the tax to cover administrative costs.
Councillors will consider whether to put the draft scheme forward for a public consultation, rather than making a final decision on its introduction. If approved, a statutory 12-week public consultation would gather views on the proposed rates and potential reinvestment of revenue into Highland communities.
Cllr Bill Lobban, Convener of the Highland Council, stated that while tourism significantly contributes to the economy, it also places increasing pressure on local facilities and services. He suggested a Visitor Levy could provide new investment to support and sustain the region.