Argyll and Bute Council is set to consider launching a formal consultation on the potential introduction of a visitor levy in the region.
Councillors will meet this Friday to decide on a three-month consultation period, giving residents and businesses the chance to share their views on the proposal.
Councillor Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Finance and Depute Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of maintaining Argyll and Bute as a leading tourist destination.
He explained that the area’s services, vital to both visitors and locals, are under pressure due to limited public funding.
A visitor levy, enabled by national legislation, could provide additional income to support essential services and infrastructure.
The consultation, if approved, will ask residents and businesses how any potential levy income should be spent to enhance the area’s tourism appeal.
Suggestions in the draft report include extending the visitor season, improving public toilets and transport links, and providing direct support to tourism businesses.
The consultation also invites feedback on the possible amount of the levy and asks those opposed to it how they would fund tourism investment instead.
Under national rules, the levy would apply to specific types of overnight accommodation, with councils required to report annually to the Scottish Government on its use.
Councillor Moreland said the consultation would be a vital opportunity for communities to help shape the future of the area’s visitor economy.
He added that ensuring sustainable funding for services would benefit both visitors and local residents in the long term.
Businesses would also be asked what kind of support they might need if the levy were introduced.
The Council’s decision on whether to proceed with the consultation will be a significant step in determining how tourism is managed and funded in the region.
Further details about the draft consultation and report can be found on the Argyll and Bute Council website.
Councillors will review the proposal and decide on the next steps when they meet on 20 December.
This initiative could mark a pivotal moment for tourism in Argyll and Bute, ensuring its long-term appeal while addressing funding challenges.
