Councillors in Glasgow approve ‘tourist tax’

Plans for a so-called “tourist tax” which will see visitors to Glasgow charged £4.83 per night have been approved.

The 5% levy on overnight stays is expected to come into force in January 2027.

It is estimated that the tax will bring in between £15.9 million and £16.1 million per year for the city.

It comes after Edinburgh became the first council to approve a visitor levy in January this year.

Councillors there approved a 5% per night charge, capped at seven nights, which will apply to those staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other forms of accommodation, including holiday lets.

The Glasgow scheme was approved by councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

Deputy council leader Richard Bell said: “Many Glaswegians will be familiar with visitor levies, which are relatively common abroad.

“The levy means that some of the people who enjoy what Glasgow has to offer, but do not pay local taxes, will be asked to make a small contribution to the city.

“In turn, that money will be invested in making Glasgow a better place for citizens and visitors alike – which will benefit our tourist trade.”

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act was passed last year and allows councils to apply a tax on overnight stays.