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Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Argyll and Bute Asks for Your Views on Visitor Levy Plans

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Argyll and Bute Council is inviting residents and businesses to have their say on whether a visitor levy should be introduced, as the area considers ways to invest in its tourism-driven economy.

Council Leader Jim Lynch explained the importance of gathering opinions, highlighting the potential benefits of the levy, which would apply to overnight stays in hotels and other short-term accommodation.

“Argyll and Bute welcomes over 2.7 million visitors annually, which is fantastic for our economy,” he said.

“However, visitors understandably make use of many public services shared with residents, such as roads, waste, leisure, and transport, many of which are not statutory duties for councils to deliver and are under threat from limited funding.”

The proposed visitor levy, enabled by new national legislation, would allow the council to charge a small fee to help fund local services and keep Argyll and Bute an attractive destination for visitors while also supporting residents.

Councillor Lynch stressed the importance of exploring this option, especially as other regions across Scotland are considering similar initiatives, saying:

“It’s vital that we have the opportunity to consider what a visitor levy could mean for Argyll and Bute.”

The council has outlined several ways the revenue from a visitor levy could be used, including improving connectivity between islands and destinations, extending the visitor season, supporting cultural and heritage projects, and helping individual tourism businesses develop their services.

By reinvesting in these areas, the aim is to maintain the area’s appeal to tourists while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Key questions being posed to the public include how much the levy should be, how the income should be spent, and what support tourism businesses might need to manage the levy.

For those opposed to the idea, the council is also keen to hear alternative suggestions for funding the visitor economy in the future.

To ensure everyone has the chance to get involved, the council is offering various ways to engage.

A series of online seminars and in-person drop-in events are being planned, with dates and locations to be announced soon.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend these sessions to learn more about the potential impact of a visitor levy and to share their views.

The consultation runs until April, and the council hopes to gather a wide range of opinions to help shape the future of tourism in Argyll and Bute.

Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or someone with an interest in the area’s economy, this is your opportunity to contribute to an important discussion.

For more information about the visitor levy, including details on how to participate in the consultation, visit the council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/visitor-levy.

Keep an eye out for updates on upcoming events and make your voice heard on this important issue.

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