Tourists visiting popular destinations in the UK may soon face additional costs as local councils consider introducing visitor levies to cope with the strain of over-tourism. Scotland, Wales, and England have begun exploring plans to implement taxes on overnight stays, paralleling strategies used in major European destinations like Barcelona and Berlin. These initiatives aim to generate much-needed revenue to sustain infrastructure, preserve natural landscapes, and enhance the visitor experience.
In Scotland, areas such as Skye, Orkney, and the Callanish Stones have experienced a surge in visitor numbers, leading to a strain on local resources. Highland Council, which oversees iconic sites such as the Fairy Pools and Glenfinnan Viaduct, is consulting with residents and businesses on a 5% levy on overnight stays. If approved, the measure could be in place by late 2026, raising an estimated £10 million annually. Funds would be allocated to improve local services and infrastructure, including potential motorhome camping areas, addressing complaints about congested roads and improper waste disposal.
The chair of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Ken Gowans, emphasized the importance of the levy. He stated that while locals bear the cost of infrastructure preparation through council tax, the levy is necessary. He further explained that the funding will boost the local economy and ensure the maintenance and enhancement of services.
In July 2026, Edinburgh will become the first city in the UK to enforce a mandatory visitor levy. Expected to generate up to £50 million annually through a 5% surcharge on overnight stays, the city plans to reinvest the revenue into public parks, festival funding, and social housing projects. The move follows mounting concerns about the impact of short-term lets and high tourism numbers on housing affordability and public cleanliness.
Wales is also moving toward implementing a visitor tax, with the government preparing to announce the proposals. The levy aims to support tourism and amenities in hotspots like Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, and Gwynedd. While some local businesses worry about potential negative impacts on visitor spending and administrative burdens, officials believe the revenue is vital for maintaining the country’s appeal as a tourist destination.
In the Lake District, a report by the charity Friends of the Lake District seemingly highlights the growing strain of tourism on local infrastructure. The area, with just 40,000 residents, sees 18 million annual visitors, leading to significant pressure on resources such as wastewater systems. The charity has proposed measures such as car fees or overnight levies to fund infrastructure upgrades and environmental preservation efforts.
Critics of these levies, particularly within the hospitality sector, argue that additional costs could deter visitors and harm local economies. A hotelier in Argyll and Bute described the potential levy as “financial suicide,” reflecting fears that tourism-dependent businesses may struggle to compete.
However, proponents point to successful examples from abroad. The Balearic Islands and Venice, both of which have implemented visitor taxes, have used the funds to address the challenges of mass tourism, simultaneously maintaining their status as desirable destinations. Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, believes the key lies in thoughtful policy changes. “Tourism should benefit everyone—visitors, businesses, and the communities they explore,” he said. “Long-term investments from levies can grow the value of the visitor economy while preserving the places people love to visit.”
Recent events, such as the inclusion of the North Coast 500 route, a popular Scottish driving circuit, on Fodor’s “No List” due to its overwhelming popularity and the challenges it poses for local communities, have underscored the need for sustainable tourism. Reports of motorhomes obstructing narrow roads, illegal waste dumping, and overcrowded campsites underscore the urgent need for responsible visitor management solutions.
While challenges remain, many believe a visitor levy is a necessary step toward a more sustainable tourism model in the UK. By reinvesting in the areas most affected by tourism, councils aim to balance the needs of visitors, residents, and the environment.
