Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Edinburgh Introduces 5% Tourist Tax
Edinburgh is introducing a new tax for tourists who stay overnight.
Starting from July 24, 2026, visitors will have to pay an extra 5% on their accommodation costs for the first five nights.
This tax applies to all types of overnight stays, including hotels, guest houses, and even boats.
The money collected will be used to maintain and improve the city's tourist facilities.
Some people support the tax because they believe tourists should help pay for the places they visit.
Others think the tax is unfair and might make people less likely to visit Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is the first UK city to introduce a city-wide tourist tax.
The tax is 5% of the accommodation cost before VAT.
It applies to the first five nights of any stay.
The tax covers various types of overnight accommodations.
The revenue will be used to maintain and improve tourist facilities.
- Who
- Tourists staying overnight in Edinburgh
- What
- A 5% tourist tax on overnight accommodation
- When
- Starting July 24, 2026
- Where
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Why
- To help maintain and improve tourist facilities and services
Tourist Tax Supporters
Tourist Tax Opponents
Purpose of the Tax
Tourist Tax Supporters
The tax helps maintain and improve tourist facilities and services.
Tourist Tax Opponents
The tax is an unnecessary burden on tourists and may discourage visitation.
Fairness of the Tax
Tourist Tax Supporters
Tourists should contribute to the upkeep of the city they are visiting.
Tourist Tax Opponents
The tax unfairly targets tourists and does not consider their overall travel expenses.
- Tax Name
- Edinburgh Visitor Levy
- Tax Rate
- 5%
- Effective Date
- July 24, 2026
- Applicable Accommodations
- Hotels, guest houses, hostels, holiday rentals, licensed Airbnb-style properties, campsites, and boats
- Exemption Period
- First five nights of stay
- Expected Annual Revenue
- £45 million to £50 million by 2028-29