Aberdeen Introduces 7% Tourist Tax for Visitors Starting in 2027
Aberdeen Introduces Visitor Levy to Boost Tourism and Manage Overcrowding
Aberdeen, Scotland, is set to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays starting in July 2027. The levy, which will be the highest among Scottish cities at 7%, aims to generate revenue for enhancing tourism infrastructure, cultural events, and business tourism.
The new levy will add approximately £4.90 per night on an average £70 hotel room, potentially generating up to £6.8 million a year. Certain groups, such as those receiving disability benefits, will be exempt from the levy.
The revenue generated from the levy will be used to attract major events, conferences, and cultural productions, thereby supporting both leisure and business tourism. To further bolster the city's tourism sector, a "Culture & Events Subvention Fund" will be established to support large-scale events, productions, and festivals in Aberdeen.
Stephen Gow, chair of VisitAberdeenshire, praised the measure, calling it a "well-managed scheme" that will drive growth in the visitor economy. The move follows the Scottish Parliament's recent legislation, known as the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act.
Similar visitor levies have been introduced in many European cities in recent years with the aim of curbing overtourism and generating more funds for tourism infrastructure. Cities such as Liverpool and Manchester in England have found ways to apply levies through alternative legal mechanisms. Edinburgh and Glasgow have also approved a visitor levy, with rates of 5% respectively, and are set to start their levies in July 2026 and January 2027, respectively.
The visitor levies are aligned with similar charges in major global cities like Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and New York, designed to ensure tourists contribute fairly to the upkeep of the city infrastructure and cultural assets, and to keep these destinations competitive.
The income from the levy will boost the local economy and help attract major events, according to Alex McLellan, the council's finance and resources convener. In 2024, Aberdeen welcomed 2.2 million overnight visitors, generating over £500 million. The levy will bring millions of pounds per year to the city, with all proceeds reinvested into the tourism sector.
The visitor levy serves as a financial mechanism to sustainably manage tourism’s economic, social, and environmental impacts while helping cities enhance their attractiveness and tourist facilities. Its impact includes revenue generation in the millions annually, support for cultural and sporting events, infrastructure improvements, and addressing over-tourism challenges.
- The levy introduced in Aberdeen will be used to improve accommodation options such as hotels, catering to the needs of tourists.
- The new funds generated will support not only leisure tourism but also business tourism, including conventions and major events.
- The levy will help Aberdeen attract local cultural productions and sports events, enhancing its overall tourism appeal.
- By introducing the visitor levy, Aberdeen aims to mimic successful strategies employed by cities like Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and New York.
- The revenue from the levy will contribute to eco-tourism initiatives, ensuring a sustainable approach to tourism development.
- The funds will be utilized to create a "Culture & Events Subvention Fund," supporting large-scale events, productions, and festivals in Aberdeen.
- The boost in funds can potentially attract cruise ships to Aberdeen, making it a more desirable destination for tourism purposes, thereby enhancing the city's lifestyle and economy.
