The ruggedly beautiful Shetland Islands are set to become the latest Scottish destination to implement a tourist tax, following a landmark decision by the local council. The new Transient Visitor Levy is poised to change the way tourism is funded across the archipelago.
In a decisive move, the Shetland Islands Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the levy, with 19 members supporting the proposal and only two voting against. This paves the way for a formal request to the Scottish Government for the necessary powers to enact the tax.
How Will the Shetland Tourist Tax Work?
The proposed model suggests a fixed fee per person, per night for visitors staying in paid accommodation. This includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, and even campsites. Crucially, the council has indicated that certain exemptions will apply, likely for children and young people.
The primary goal of the levy is to generate a new revenue stream dedicated to the maintenance and development of services and infrastructure that tourists themselves use. This could include:
- Upkeep of public paths and natural attractions
- Waste management and public toilet facilities
- Support for local cultural events and festivals
- General maintenance of public spaces
Following a Growing Scottish Trend
Shetland is not alone in this initiative. The city of Edinburgh has long been at the forefront of the tourist tax movement in Scotland and is expected to be the first to implement its own City Visitor Charge in the coming year. Other regions are watching closely and may follow suit, signalling a significant shift in how tourism is managed and funded in Scotland.
Proponents of the tax argue that it fosters a more sustainable tourism model, ensuring that visitors directly contribute to the preservation of the destinations they enjoy, rather than the financial burden falling solely on local residents.
The final details of the Shetland scheme, including the exact cost per night and the implementation date, are yet to be confirmed. The council will now enter a period of consultation with local stakeholders and the Scottish Government to finalise the legislation.
