Glasgow is considering introducing a five per cent tourist tax on overnight stays, following Edinburgh’s lead, where a similar charge is set to begin in July 2026.
The proposed fee would apply to all types of accommodation in Scotland’s largest city, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering stays like Airbnb.
Glasgow City Council’s treasurer, Ricky Bell, has expressed keen interest in rolling out the tax as soon as possible, though it is still under public consultation.
Officials estimate that the new levy could bring in over £11 million a year for Glasgow, with potential annual revenue reaching up to £12.5 million.
Many major European cities, such as Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, have introduced similar tourist taxes without seeing a significant drop in visitors.
For those planning a trip to Glasgow, the tax would be capped at seven nights per stay, similar to Edinburgh’s policy, to prevent long-term visitors from facing excessive charges.
Budget-conscious travellers may look for accommodation outside the city to avoid the extra cost.
The tax is unlikely to be introduced before 2026, as there will be an 18-month period for implementation after it gets approved.
Council leaders insist that Glasgow will remain an attractive destination, especially if the money raised is visibly reinvested into improving the city’s appeal.
City officials believe that many travellers now expect these kinds of charges in international cities, and they rarely influence whether people choose to visit.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has urged caution, warning that introducing the tax too quickly could negatively impact Glasgow’s tourism industry.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, stressed the importance of involving businesses in the decision-making process. While a visitor tax could have benefits, she said careful planning is needed to avoid harming the local economy.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
Comments