Tourist tax is a thorn in the side of many travellers and is likely to become more common in other countries. In a bid to clamp down on overtourism, tourist tax has been introduced to a few places and normally takes the form of a charge per occupied bed or room per night and is levied on short-term accommodation providers. UK tourist tax remains a relatively new concept with many regions not yet implementing them apart from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who in May 2024, announced that they would be introducing a similar levy for visitors and tourists and becoming the first destinations in the UK to do so.
This move is said to have a ripple effect among other UK spots as Scotland has recently announced a tourist tax being introduced in certain parts.
Despite this potentially reducing tourist numbers, the Scottish Government have been warned about the potentially detrimental impact this could have and could cost businesses a whopping £275 million.
Last year, the SNP Executive forced legislation to allow for certain councils in Scotland to be given the power to charge visitors…
