Seaside town renowned for its 'award-winning beaches' proposes tourist tax for holidaymakers
The seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian
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East Lothian Council has unanimously approved plans to develop a tourist tax scheme, which would see visitors charged an additional fee for overnight stays.
The proposed levy would charge visitors to stay at the county's hotels, hostels, and holiday accommodations.
Council officers plan to draft a scheme following new powers granted to local authorities, the East Lothian Courier reported.
Early survey results suggest strong visitor support for the initiative, with 62 per cent backing the fee, but this rose to 76 per cent when respondents learned the funds would improve tourist services and facilities.
Early survey results suggest strong visitor support for the initiative
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The proposed scheme could be implemented as early as spring 2026, with a statutory 18-month minimum period before charging can begin.
Councillors emphasised the need for a simple collection process, particularly for small businesses.
Councillor Jeremy Findlay expressed concern about the impact on smaller establishments, stating: "I would ask that the collection process is kept simple for smaller businesses who are affected and do not have the administration support of hotels or hotel chains."
The collection process for the levy could be managed by accommodation providers themselves, councillors heard.
Provost John McMillan shared his experience from a recent holiday in France, where he paid 18 euros in tax for a week-long stay.
He noted that French operators collected the levy and paid it to local authorities twice yearly.
McMillan agreed with Findlay's concerns, stating: "I am with this but we do need to look at how we bring it forward."
The development of the tourist tax scheme will take approximately one year before it is put out for public consultation.
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The scheme could be implemented as early as spring 2026
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This timeline allows for careful consideration and design of the draft scheme. Once approved, the implementation process could begin in spring 2026.
East Lothian, which attracts millions of visitors every year, owes most of its popularity to sweeping beaches and stunning coastlines.
“East Lothian has 40 miles of breath-taking coastline and award-winning beaches,” according to Visit Lothian.
Located on the east coast of Scotland and Edinburgh's doorstep, the prime location is easy to access by road and rail.
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