Edinburgh council launches tourist tax consultation

The local authority said it is seeking views from “all city stakeholders but, in particular, the hospitality and tourism sector, plus city businesses and investors, culture partners, visitors and residents”.

The draft proposal suggests a charge of either two per cent or £2 per room per night, chargeable all year round on all forms of accommodation, including short-term lets, but capped at seven nights.

Alongside the online consultation, which will last for eight weeks, the Council is planning further targeted engagement with stakeholders. This will include three open workshops with industry representatives, a workshop with investors and four resident focus groups.

Officers, meanwhile, continue to make offers to attend board meetings, membership meetings and 1:1s with industry and other partners.