The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 empowers local authorities to charge a levy on overnight stays, with all revenue reinvested locally in services and facilities used by visitors. Dumfries and Galloway Council will now begin early engagement with stakeholders to assess the feasibility and design of such a scheme.
The decision of the committee will involve a comprehensive early engagement exercise over the next 6 to 12 months. This will include in-person meetings, webinars, and surveys targeting residents, visitors, and the tourism industry. An external research company will be appointed to ensure objective data collection and analysis.
The proposed Visitor Levy aims to generate sustainable funding to support the Responsible Tourism Strategy 2024–2034, which seeks to grow the visitor economy to £1.76 billion and support 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs by 2034. Funds raised could be used to improve infrastructure, protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience.
Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Tourism is vital to our region’s economy. A Visitor Levy could provide a sustainable way to invest in the services and infrastructure that make Dumfries and Galloway a top destination, while also supporting our local communities.”
Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, added:
“Through the engagement process, we want to hear from everyone – residents, businesses, and visitors – about how a Visitor Levy could work for Dumfries and Galloway. This is about building a better future for tourism in our region.”
Following the early engagement phase, councillors will be asked to consider the findings and next steps in spring 2026. The earliest a Visitor Levy could be implemented in Dumfries and Galloway would be in 2028.