Edinburgh is set to be the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax. The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed plans for a £2 per person per night tax, limited at seven nights, for all paid accommodation except campsites.
Waste, cleansing and improvements to public areas and green spaces such as parks have been suggested as the main priorities for the money to go towards. It will be the first city in the UK to introduce a tax on overnight visitors, once the required legislation is approved at Holyrood.
A report to Tuesday's meeting of the policy and sustainability committee says this new measure could raise between £5million and £35million a year, depending on the final model agreed. The report showcases an "initial list of key thematic areas" as the priorities for the money raised.
