Midlothian businesses, residents and visitors opinions sought on potential Visitor Levy

Similar to many European cities, including Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Berlin, Scotland is considering a Visitor Levy.

Businesses and residents in, and visitors to, Midlothian are being asked to give their opinion on Midlothian’s opportunity to implement a Visitor Levy, also known as a tourist tax, via a new survey.

What is a Visitor Levy

A Visitor Levy is an additional charge on overnight accommodation. The charge type for Scotland will be a percentage of the accommodation booking minus any room add-ons (parking, entertainment, food, and drink, etc.).

Midlothian Visitor Levy Survey

We are keen to gather insight from businesses, residents, and visitors to inform the decision-making process regarding the implementation of a Midlothian Visitor Levy. The revenue generated from a Visitor Levy will be invested in improving local facilities, destination development, marketing and promotions and broader visitor management activities.

We have designed a survey to hear your thoughts on:

What shape and size the Visitor Levy in Midlothian should take.
To whom the levy should apply.
How revenue generated by the levy should be invested in Midlothian.

The results of this survey may influence the potential establishment of a Midlothian Visitor Levy, which could be implemented pending Scottish Government legal authorisation and agreement on its suitability for the area. A comprehensive consultation on the Visitor Levy Scheme is scheduled for the Summer of 2024.

Complete the survey

Support for Midlothian Tourism Businesses

The Midlothian Tourism Forum steering group is organising a briefing and consultation for tourism businesses in Midlothian to understand their views and establish the representative position of the Forum.

All Midlothian tourism and hospitality businesses are invited to join Midlothian Tourism Forum on Wednesday 8th May at The Original Roslyn Inn to hear more about the proposed Visitor Levy and share their views.

Neil Christison, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, will be joining them to provide an overview and update. VisitScotland chair the Visitor Levy Expert Group, and therefore will help to provide the context and timeline for the legislative process, and the associated creation of the Visitor Levy Guidance.

Register to join this in person event to ensure your voice is heard.