Visitor Levy Next Steps

The next steps could be taken to introduce a visitor levy in Dundee, as councillors are asked to approve a move to statutory consultation. 

They will hear that tourism plays an increasingly important role in Dundee’s economy, with more than1.4 million visitors in 2024, including over 600,000 overnight stays This supports employment across accommodation, hospitality, retail, culture and transport. 

A report explains that levy funds could help enhance the visitor experience through improvements to the public realm as well as visitor information and signage. 

Income would also be invested in cultural events and festivals as well as business and convention tourism and destination marketing. 

Options recommended for feedback involve either a flat rate of £5 per room per night or a levy based on 5% of the nightly room rate, both with a cap of 7 nights. 

It is estimated each could raise over £2 million a year if introduced. 

Councillors will hear that following approval of a report last summer, a programme of public engagement was undertaken during October and November 2025. 

The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee on Monday (June 8) is being asked to agree that a12-week statutory consultation should be carried out. 

A further report would be considered later this year before any decision about introducing a levy is taken. If it is agreed, a levy would not be introduced until the summer of 2028. 

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “Dundee’s tourism industry is an important contributor to our local economy, supporting a range of jobs and businesses.  

“The introduction of a visitor levy has the potential to raise millions of pounds to bolster the visitor experience in Dundee, as we have seen being applied in other countries 

“However, we need to carefully consider the views of everyone who expresses an opinion about these matters, and I understand that concerns were voiced during the early engagement. 

“The levy could be transformative for the city, but we must take each step at a time.”