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UKHospitality has issued a “call to arms” for hotels and other accommodation providers in Scotland to oppose a proposed tourist tax in Scotland.
The trade body said it is “strongly urging” businesses to rally to oppose the introduction of a Transient Visitor Levy in Scotland in the current consultation, highlighting the difficulties it will cause.
UKHospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said the introduction of a tourist tax in Scotland, or anywhere in the UK, would be “incredibly damaging” to the hospitality and tourism sector.
She added that the Scottish Government seems “keen to burden businesses with even more taxes” and noted that its introduction, at a time when “businesses face so many uncertainties”, could be a “disaster” for many employers in Scotland.
Nicholls said: “We have to make sure the Scottish Government is in no doubt that we oppose this. We need to make our voices heard collectively and tell MSPs that a tourist tax would batter hotels and undermine Scotland’s reputation as a tourist destination.
“Other businesses that depend on tourism spend, such as other hospitality sectors, would also be affected.”
She added: “The sector needs to present a united front and deliver an unambiguous message. Whether you are a UKHospitality member or not, please make sure you add your voice to our call.
“I am urging all accommodation businesses and companies who might be affected, large and small, to act now to avoid yet another tax on their business. We all need to take this opportunity to act together.”
