Visitors to Argyll and Bute could soon be asked to pay a tourist levy under new proposals that supporters believe could generate millions of pounds to improve facilities, infrastructure and the area’s visitor economy.
A twelve week public consultation will begin on 13 July, giving residents, businesses and visitors the chance to have their say on a revised draft visitor levy scheme before any final decision is made.
The proposals are different from those previously considered in 2024 and have been updated following changes to Scottish legislation that now allow councils to consider charging a flat rate per room, per night, rather than a percentage based levy.
If introduced, the money raised could be invested in projects designed to improve both the visitor experience and everyday life for local communities.
Among the suggested priorities are better public toilets, car parks, waste facilities and visitor signage, alongside improvements to transport links, walking routes and access to some of the area’s most popular attractions.
The draft scheme also suggests using levy income to support tourism businesses through grants and training, invest in cultural events and heritage projects, expand environmental initiatives such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and develop skills programmes to help create more year round employment within the visitor economy.
Community led projects delivering long term benefits for tourism could also receive funding under the proposals.
The revised scheme includes two additional local exemptions beyond those already set out in national legislation.
These would apply to island residents travelling to the mainland for healthcare appointments, including registered carers accompanying vulnerable patients, and to young people attending residential outdoor education centres.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader Councillor Jim Lynch said:
“The visitor economy plays a vital role in Argyll and Bute’s success.
“These are difficult times.
“Every area of life wants more investment than is available.
“We have to consider every option for investment in the long term future of the local visitor economy so that Argyll and Bute continues to be a place that people choose to visit.
“I would encourage residents, visitors and businesses to get involved with the consultation when it opens and give us your views.”
The consultation will run until 5 October, after which councillors will consider the findings before deciding whether and how a visitor levy should be introduced.
With tourism continuing to play a significant role in the local economy, the consultation is expected to attract strong interest from accommodation providers, residents and visitors alike as Argyll and Bute weighs up how best to fund future investment while remaining an attractive destination.
