Glasgow to consult on introduction of tourist tax

Glasgow City Council will hold a public consultation over introducing a 5% visitor levy on overnight stays in the city.

The tourist tax would apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

It is hoped it would to generate £12.5m annually, with £11m going towards events and improvements to the "look and feel" of the city.

It comes after Scotland's first tourist tax was approved in Edinburgh, with the 5% levy commencing from July 2026.

The Glasgow consultation will be open to residents and the accommodation industry.

Some businesses are concerned the process is being rushed.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the association of Scotland's self-caterers said Edinburgh rushed "headlong into introducing a tourist tax" and other councils should "take stock and tread carefully".

The consultation process must "listen to the voice of business who will ultimately be responsible for administering this scheme", she said.

City councillor Richard Bell said he is keen to implement the tax "as fast as we possibly can without tripping ourselves up".

He told a meeting of the city's administration committee: "Research by the Scottish Government and Edinburgh University both conclude that at this stage there is no evidence to suggest the introduction of a visitor levy will have an adverse effect on visitor numbers."

He said the impact would be monitored if a scheme is introduced.

Cllr Bell said the tax was about making the city "more attractive for Glaswegians" as well as tourists.

Accommodation providers would be liable for the levy, and required to submit quarterly reports.

It is proposed they retain 1.5% of the funds collected at their establishment to cover their own costs.

Report by Drew Sandelands at the Local Democracy Service.