Public engagement launched on potential visitor levy

Aberdeenshire Council has launched the first stage of public engagement on the potential introduction of a visitor levy for the region. 

This early engagement is designed to gauge initial views from across the area, marking a key milestone in the council’s exploration of new ways to support and enhance local tourism.

The move follows the introduction of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, which empowers local authorities to apply a levy on overnight accommodation. 

If introduced, this would see a percentage-based charge applied to stays in accommodation such as hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering units, campsites and caravan parks.

The council is now inviting accommodation providers, businesses, residents and community groups to take part in an initial 3-week online survey, with a more detailed consultation planned later this year. The survey can be found at https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/aberdeenshire-visitor-levy-survey

Aberdeenshire is home to a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historical landmarks and cultural attractions, and in 2024 attracted 1.1 million day visitors, 1.45 million overnight visitors bringing a direct expenditure of more than £351 million.

Tourism is one of the area’s six key economic sectors, supporting more than 7,500 full-time equivalent jobs and generating more than £518 million in annual economic impact. 

Should the council decide to introduce a visitor levy, it will define a number of key parameters, including:

•    The geographical area covered
•    The percentage rate of the levy
•    The start date of the scheme
•    The duration of the levy’s application
•    The types of accommodation affected

This early engagement will help shape the council’s thinking around these key parameters.

The visitor levy would be used to reinvest in local infrastructure, services and attractions that directly benefit both visitors and residents alike. From supporting local amenities and events to enhancing heritage and natural sites, the aim is to sustain and improve the quality of the visitor experience, while sharing the costs of tourism more fairly.

This initial survey is now open and will run for two weeks, giving individuals and organisations a chance to help shape the early thinking behind the potential levy. Insights from this stage will inform a more detailed consultation process later in the year.

Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “We have a vibrant and growing tourism sector in Aberdeenshire which significantly contributes to our economy and communities.

"It is essential that we fully understand both the impact and the opportunities that a visitor levy may bring and that is why our initial engagement with the sector and our communities is so important.

"I do want to stress that no decisions have yet been made and that this process is about listening, learning and exploring what would work best for Aberdeenshire.

"Any such initiative must support – not stifle – our tourism sector. This engagement process is the first step toward building a scheme that reflects local priorities and ensures a sustainable future for Aberdeenshire’s visitor economy.”

This initial survey is now open and will run for three weeks, giving individuals and organisations a chance to help shape the early thinking behind the potential levy. Insights from this stage will inform a more detailed consultation process later in the year.