Visitor Levy Consultation Now Live

A 12-week statutory consultation on a potential visitor levy for Dundee starts today (Monday August 31). 

The two visitor levy options which are now out 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. 

Launch of the consultation follows approval of a report by councillors earlier this year. This explained that tourism plays an increasingly important role in Dundee’s economy, with more than 1.4 million visitors in 2024, including over 600,000 overnight stays. 

Levy funds could help enhance the visitor experience through improvements to the public realm as well as visitor information and signage. 

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

Following the consultation, 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. 

City Growth and Infrastructure 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 that is why this consultation is so important.  

“I would encourage anyone with a view on these matters to get involved.”  

The consultation runs until November 27.  

You can take part in the consultation and find out more details on the council’s website here.