The Highland Council has extended its consultation on the proposed Visitor Levy scheme, giving businesses, visitors, and communities until 31 March 2025 to share their views.
Launched in November, the consultation aims to gather opinions on introducing a 5% levy across the Highlands, a move projected to generate £10 million annually for vital infrastructure and services.
The Council is encouraging participation through its website, where detailed FAQs are regularly updated, and additional engagement sessions are being planned for early 2025.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, stressed the importance of inclusivity, highlighting the extended deadline as an opportunity to ensure all voices are heard.
Gowans emphasised that tourism remains a cornerstone of the Highland economy and underscored the levy’s potential to enhance the visitor experience through improved facilities and services.
Craig Mills, CEO of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, praised the Council’s decision to extend the consultation, calling it a chance to refine the levy’s implementation in a way that benefits both visitors and local businesses.
Mills noted the importance of aligning the levy with stakeholder priorities, especially in light of economic pressures, and encouraged widespread participation to shape a sustainable future for the region.
The Visitor Levy is a key initiative in the Council’s “Our Future Highland 2022-2027” programme, aiming to support the area’s tourism sector and infrastructure.
Participants can access the consultation online at www.highland.gov.uk/vlconsultation, request paper copies via 01349 781020, or email visitorlevyconsultation@highland.gov.uk for further information.
As part of the extended engagement process, reference group meetings will take place in January, February, and March, with details to be announced soon.
The earliest implementation date for the Visitor Levy, should it be approved, is Winter 2026.
