Starting in 2027, travelers staying overnight in Glasgow will see a small increase on their accommodation bill as the Scottish city officially moves forward with a new tourist tax. It’s intended to help generate funds for public services and local infrastructure, with the city aiming to raise around £16 million annually.
The tax will add five percent to the cost of overnight stays in overnight accommodations, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties. Based on current rates, that equates to an average of £4.83 per night.
The city administration committee approved the plan on Thursday, making Glasgow Scotland’s second city to introduce a visitor levy after Edinburgh, which passed a similar measure earlier this year.
Accommodation providers will keep 1.5 percent of the fee, with the remaining funds going toward infrastructure improvements and city events in Glasgow. Most of the money will therefore go toward public services and projects, such as street sweeping, park improvements, landmark maintenance and infrastructure enhancements, which benefit both locals and visitors.
A spokesperson for the council noted that the decision had backing from all major parties on the committee, including the SNP, Labour, Greens and Conservatives. The move followed a consultation process launched in January that brought together local tourism bodies and hospitality businesses to discuss the proposal.
“Many Glaswegians will be familiar with visitor levies, which are relatively common abroad,” Deputy Council Leader Richard Bell told The Independent. “The levy means that some of the people who enjoy what Glasgow has to offer, but do not pay local taxes, will be asked to make a small contribution to the city. In turn, that money will be invested in making Glasgow a better place for citizens and visitors alike—which will benefit our tourist trade.”
The initiative was first introduced by Green councilor Blair Anderson, who remarked, “The tourist tax is going to be a game-changer for Glasgow, delivering more money to tidy up our city and make it even more attractive for visitors and residents alike. A small contribution from tourists will mean we can invest millions more in street sweeping, bin collections, and getting Glasgow looking good again. I’m glad that Greens in Holyrood got this law passed, and I’m grateful to all councilors who have worked with me over recent months to get this tax in place as soon as possible.”
The city currently sees an estimated 2.9 million overnight stays each year, generating around £250 million in tourism spending. Adding a modest surcharge is unlikely to significantly impact visitor numbers while delivering noticeable improvements for both residents and tourists.
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