Councillors in Aberdeen have approved a plan to tax tourists staying overnight in the city.
The new levy will apply to overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, camping sites and caravan parks.
Cruise ships, motor homes and individuals in receipt of disability payments will be exempt from the charge.
The new tax, which has been fixed at 7% of the cost of the accommodation, will come into force in April 2027.
According to a report to Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee, the price of an average hotel room in the city is £70 per night, which means the charge would add an extra £4.90 to the cost of an overnight stay.
The new charge could generate up to £6.8 million per year for the city, with the council planning to use the money to enhance leisure and business tourism.
Aberdeen Scottish National Party Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The income generated from the visitor levy, paid by those visiting the city, will provide a huge boost to our local economy and allow us to invest in bringing major events and conferences here of a more regular basis.
“Across Europe, we are paying similar amounts to stay per night subsidising their thriving economies, and we should do the same to ensure we can compete in terms of attracting both business and leisure tourism to Aberdeen.”
Last month, the Welsh Government also approved plans to give local councils the power to tax tourists staying overnight.
