Skip to content
Finance — Business — Discover Hidden Gems

Edinburgh to Introduce 5% Tourist Tax in 2026

Edinburgh's new tourist tax will affect all overnight stays from 2026. The funds will go towards maintaining and improving visitor services, with other Scottish cities considering similar charges.

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
This picture is clicked inside the hotel and in front, we see a table on which white color cloth is...
This picture is clicked inside the hotel and in front, we see a table on which white color cloth is placed. On table, we see plates, fork, spoon, glass, branches of tree. Around the table, we see chairs and behind that we see the other table which is like green in color and behind that, we see a man wearing black blazer. Next to him, we see the girl standing and behind them, we see door on which exit is written on it and behind that door, we see two men standing.

Edinburgh to Introduce 5% Tourist Tax in 2026

Edinburgh is set to introduce a five per cent tourist tax from 2026. The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act allows councils to decide on such levies. The tax will apply to all overnight stays in the city from 24 July 2026 onwards, including hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.

The tax, which will be charged at the same rate every day of the year, is designed to sustain Edinburgh's cultural and heritage status and manage the impacts of its successful visitor economy. It will fund improvements and maintenance of facilities and services used by visitors.

Existing bookings will not be affected, but new bookings made from 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026 will include the tax. Aberdeen and Glasgow are also planning to implement similar visitor charges, while some rural and remote destinations have resisted such calls.

Edinburgh's tourist tax, set to begin in 2026, will apply to all overnight stays in the city. The funds generated will be used to enhance visitor facilities and services. The tax is part of a wider trend of Scottish cities considering visitor levies, with Edinburgh leading the way.

Read also:

Related

Latest