The UK city preparing to introduce a 7% tourist tax for visitors
- UK Hidden Gems
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Tourists planning a trip to a popular Scottish city could soon face a 7% tourist tax from April 2027, leaving locals "astonished."
This Scottish city is considering introducing a visitor levy, which would mean an extra charge on overnight stays. Councillors will review the proposed 7% tax next week.
A report set to go before Aberdeen City Council’s finance committee asks councillors to approve a public consultation on the levy. If introduced, it would add an estimated £5 per night to accommodation costs for visitors.
The report also states that setting up the scheme would cost the council £60,000. However, a 7% levy could generate between £6.35 million and £7.6 million in revenue.
If approved, the charge could apply to a range of accommodation, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering properties, caravan parks, and even overnight stays in vehicles or boats.
Data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland reveals that two-thirds of Scottish councils are considering a tourist tax. Out of 32 local authorities, 21 have either discussed or are actively exploring plans for a visitor levy.
However, Aberdeen’s proposed 7% charge would be the highest tourist tax suggested in Scotland so far.
David Weston, from the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association, said he was "astonished" at the figure, arguing that "Aberdeen does not suffer from overtourism."
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, he said: "They’re not considering the risks to tourism or the wider impact this would have on Aberdeen’s economy."
Last week, Edinburgh became the first Scottish city to introduce a tourist tax, aiming to raise £50 million annually. Councillors voted to apply a 5% charge on overnight stays, using the city’s thriving tourism industry to benefit local services.
From July 24, 2026, visitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, and other holiday accommodation in Edinburgh will have to pay a 5%-per-night fee for up to seven nights.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
Introducing a tourist tax can significantly affect local businesses, especially those relying on visitors for revenue. Managing these new expenses alongside daily operations can quickly become complex, which is why I see the value of professional bookkeeping for small business services. Accurate bookkeeping helps business owners keep track of additional costs and ensures they stay compliant with tax changes. Services like Octa Accountants offer tailored support that makes handling such financial adjustments more manageable, helping businesses focus on growth while keeping their accounts in order. This kind of help is vital when adapting to new local regulations and taxes.
Introducing a tourist tax can definitely stir debate, especially in cities that rely heavily on visitor income. I get the reasoning behind it—funding infrastructure, sustainability, etc.—but it also adds pressure on small businesses trying to stay competitive. It made me think about the importance of business structure and jurisdiction. Setting up a swiss gmbh has been on my radar lately, mainly because of the legal protection and credibility it offers. In an environment where taxes and regulations shift quickly, having a reliable and transparent framework in place can give businesses the stability they need to focus on long-term growth.