Visitor Levy Early Engagement

We want to hear from you to help shape how tourism is supported in Dumfries and Galloway. A visitor levy is a small charge added to overnight accommodation costs, with the money raised used to fund services and infrastructure that enhance the experience for both visitors and residents.

If you’ve travelled abroad, you may have come across similar charges in other countries. New legislation in Scotland now gives local councils the option to introduce a visitor levy if they choose to do so.

Your feedback will help us understand local views and inform future decisions about whether to explore a formal consultation.

By taking part in the citizens or community groups survey, you can choose to be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a food and drink hamper full of local produce from Dumfries and Galloway.

What we will do

We will:

• create citizen, business and visitor online surveys to collect views
• host a mix of webinars and in-person events to explain how a visitor levy could work
• publish frequently asked questions on our website
• share detailed guidance from VisitScotland for those who want to explore the topic further

What to do now

• read the frequently asked questions
• read the detailed guidance from Visit Scotland
• register interest for one of the online or in-person sessions by emailing: [email protected]
• These will be held on:
  • Monday 27 October, 9–11am​ – Newton Stewart Library activity room
  • Monday 27 October, 3–5pm​ – Kirkcudbright Galleries
  • Tuesday 28 October, 9–11am​ – The Hub, 24-16 Friars Vennel, Dumfries
  • Wednesday 29 October, 10am–12pm – Moffat
  • Wednesday 12 November, 4–5pm – Ryan Centre, Stranraer

Complete the survey for citizens or community groups

Complete the business survey

Complete the visitor survey

You can get a printed copy at your local Customer Service Centre.

This survey will close at 11pm on Friday 21 November 2025. 

An independent report will be produced based on the feedback gathered through the surveys. Councillors will review the findings and decide whether to move forward with a formal consultation or take no further action.

We look forward to hearing your views and working together to shape the future of tourism in Dumfries and Galloway.