Residents, visitors and local businesses across Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to take part in a short consultation to share their views on a proposal to introduce a visitor levy in Perth and Kinross.
Under the new Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, local authorities now have the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation paid by visitors. This would allow councils to reinvest funds into local services and facilities that benefit both residents and tourists.
In February 2025, Perth and Kinross Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed to launch a public consultation following the publication of the Perthshire Tourism Strategy 2025 to 2030. The aim is to gather a wide range of views on whether a visitor levy should be introduced, and how it might work in practice.
To support the consultation, a series of drop-in sessions have already taken place in Perth, Birnam, Blairgowrie, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. Further sessions are scheduled:
- 27 August 2025: Loch Leven Community Campus, Kinross, 4pm to 7pm
- 5 September 2025: Council Building, 2 High Street, Perth, 4pm to 7pm
- 11 September 2025: This is an online event for owners of campsites and caravan parks. Please email VisitorLevy@pkc.gov.uk receive Microsoft Teams meeting link.
These sessions offer an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about what a visitor levy could mean for the area.
Any revenue raised through a potential visitor levy scheme would be ring-fenced to invest in local facilities and initiatives that support the visitor economy. A visitor levy forum advisory group would also be established to help guide how the levy is operated.
A report summarising the consultation findings, including feedback from the drop-in sessions will be presented to full Council in December. This will outline the proposed levy's objectives, timeline, percentage rate, and how the income would be used if introduced.
If Councillors agree to proceed, a second phase of formal public consultation of 12 weeks will follow, inviting views on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme proposal before any final decision is made. If approved, the levy could be introduced from September 2027 onwards.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, convenor of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure committee said: "This ongoing consultation has already highlighted a range of perspectives, ideas and concerns around the introduction of a visitor levy in Perth and Kinross.
"Across Scotland, many local authorities are exploring or implementing visitor levy schemes. With increasing pressure on critical services such as health and social care, education and efforts to tackle poverty, councils must consider all potential sources of additional funding.
"It's vital that we hear from as many people as possible, particularly residents, visitors, local businesses, accommodation providers, and those working in the hospitality and event sectors.
"In our previous sessions and other communication channels, we have noted that concerns have raised on the administrative burden to accommodation providers and people are concerned on who gets to decide where the funding would be spent.
"These are all valid points, and I would ask anyone with concerns like these to attend one of the upcoming drop-in sessions. We've also added in an additional session for owners of campsites or caravan parks.
"Please do take the time to complete the consultation online before 30 September 2025
"Thank you to over 600 people who have already taken the time to share their views."
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