The extension to the consultation, which began last month, will now give businesses, visitors and communities until 31 March 2025 - an additional seven weeks - to take part and have their say. 

The consultation can be accessed by visiting the council’s website.

In order to strengthen further the tourism industry involvement, a number of reference group meetings will be held in January, February and March. The council will be contacting partners to progress these reference group meetings and looks forward to this level of strategic engagement as it moves forward.

Chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, commented:  “Following its launch in mid-November, the consultation has already received an excellent level of public response and we are keen to build upon this further.  We have listened to the early feedback received and are reaching out to Highland businesses, visitors and communities to highlight the extended deadline of 31 March 2025 for comments and input – we welcome and encourage their participation in the consultation process. 

“We want the process to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that it fairly and accurately captures opinion and feedback from across the region.” 

Councillor Gowans concluded:  “Tourism is one of our most important sectors. The introduction of a 5% Visitor Levy in Highland could generate £10 million each year - money that can be used to sustain, support and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on. As well as improving existing infrastructure, it would allow opportunities to look at providing new facilities to help ensure everyone visiting Highland will have a high-quality experience.  With the extended consultation period, should Members agree to implement a Visitor Levy Scheme, the earliest such a scheme could be implemented in Highland is Winter 2026.” 

Craig Mills, CEO of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, commented:  “We are pleased to see that Highland Council has listened to the tourism industry in the Highlands and made the important decision to extend the Visitor Levy consultation deadline to March 31st. A well-implemented visitor levy has the potential to bring significant benefits to our region, provided the funds are directed toward the priorities of both visitors and the tourism industry.

“It is crucial to get this right for all stakeholders, particularly given the current financial pressures facing both businesses and visitors. The consultation phase is a vital opportunity to ensure the levy is introduced thoughtfully and effectively, addressing the needs of our communities and the tourism sector.

“We welcome Highland Council’s recognition of the need for additional time to engage with stakeholders, especially during such a challenging economic climate. I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this process, so the Highlands can set a positive example for other regions considering similar measures. I look forward to collaborating closely with Highland Council, not only during the consultation phase but also as we work toward implementing a levy that supports a thriving and sustainable future for our region.”

The visitor levy has been identified as a priority action within the Council’s Programme “Our Future Highland 2022-2027”.