This follows a decision by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 2 September and marks the beginning of a region-wide conversation about how tourism could be sustainably supported and enhanced.
Through this engagement, the council wishes to receive enough information to allow councillors to decide whether to introduce a local visitor levy scheme or not.
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 empowers local authorities to apply a charge to overnight stays, with all revenue reinvested locally in services and infrastructure used by visitors. The council’s engagement programme will run until 21 November 2025 and includes online surveys, webinars, and in-person sessions targeting residents, visitors, tourism businesses and community groups.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson, 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.
“At this stage we have not decided to implement a visitor levy scheme. We need your feedback through this early engagement to help us decide whether this should move forward with a formal consultation. I’d encourage residents, visitors, tourism businesses and community groups to take part in the engagement and have their voices heard.”
Vice-Chair, Councillor Tony Berretti added:
"This early engagement is an opportunity for everyone – residents, businesses, and visitors – to share their views on how a visitor levy might work in Dumfries and Galloway. Although no decisions have been made at this stage, it’s vital that we hear from a wide range of voices to understand the potential benefits and challenges. I encourage all stakeholders to take part and help shape the conversation about the future of tourism in our region."
The proposed levy would support the Responsible Tourism Strategy 2024–2034, which aims to grow the visitor economy to £1.76 billion and support 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs by 2034.
You can find a simple guide to visitor levy and how any funds might be spent by reading our FAQs.
To learn more and take part, visit the council’s Visitor Levy Engagement page.