Aberdeen is preparing to introduce a 7% tourist tax on overnight stays from April 2027. This new measure, formally called a visitor levy, has been approved by Aberdeen City Council and is set to change the way visitors experience accommodation costs in northeastern Scotland.
In this article, we explain how the levy will work, how it compares to other Scottish cities, and what it means for travellers and the local economy.
Key Facts About the Aberdeen Tourist Tax
- Start date: No earlier than April 2027
- Rate: 7% of the cost of overnight accommodation
- Applies to: Hotels, B&Bs, hostels, self-catering properties, caravan parks, and campsites
- Exemptions: Cruise ships and motorhomes
- Estimated revenue: £6.8 million annually
- Purpose: To fund tourism infrastructure, events, and cultural initiatives in Aberdeen
How the Visitor Levy Will Work
The tourist tax will be automatically added to overnight accommodation bills. With the average hotel room in Aberdeen priced at £70 per night, the additional cost will be around £4.90 per night per visitor.
The levy will apply regardless of the type of accommodation, ensuring that everyone staying overnight contributes fairly. However, it will not apply to cruise passengers or those using motorhomes, as the scheme is focused solely on fixed overnight stays.
Aberdeen vs Other Scottish Cities
Aberdeen is not the first Scottish city to introduce a visitor levy, but its 7% rate is higher than Edinburgh and Glasgow, which have both agreed on a 5% levy.
| City | Visitor Levy Rate | Implementation Year |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 5% | By 2026 |
| Glasgow | 5% | By 2027 |
| Aberdeen | 7% | From 2027 |
This move reflects Aberdeen’s ambition to strengthen its position as a hub for both leisure and business tourism, particularly conferences, expos, and cultural events.
Why Aberdeen is Introducing a Tourist Tax
The levy is expected to generate up to £6.8 million annually, which will be reinvested into:
- Tourism promotion to attract more international visitors
- Event funding, including expos, sports championships, and cultural festivals
- Business tourism support to secure major conferences and exhibitions
- Local infrastructure improvements that enhance visitor experience
Aberdeen already attracts significant tourism, with 2.2 million overnight visits in 2024, contributing over £500 million to the regional economy. The council believes the levy will help unlock further growth by providing dedicated funding for large-scale projects.
Visitor Reactions and Industry Response
Local tourism leaders have welcomed the plan, stressing that a well-managed scheme could make Aberdeen more competitive on the global stage. Many European cities already apply similar levies, and Aberdeen aims to use the additional revenue to create a more sustainable tourism model.
Stephen Gow, Chair of VisitAberdeenshire, highlighted that the levy aligns with the region’s Destination Strategy, supporting both leisure and conference markets while driving long-term economic benefits.
Impact on Travellers
For visitors, the financial impact is relatively small compared to the benefits it could bring:
- Short stay example: A two-night stay in a £70 per night hotel would incur a £9.80 levy.
- Long stay example: A week-long stay at the same rate would add £34.30 to the total bill.
While some travellers may notice the increase, the reinvestment in events, facilities, and infrastructure is designed to improve the overall Aberdeen experience.
The Wider Context: Tourism Taxes in the UK and Beyond
- Elsewhere in Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow have already voted for similar levies.
- Across the UK, English cities such as Liverpool and Manchester have introduced workarounds to implement tourism levies despite legislative restrictions.
- Internationally: Tourist taxes are common in destinations across Europe and beyond, particularly where visitor numbers put pressure on infrastructure.
Aberdeen’s move follows this global trend, ensuring the city can remain competitive in attracting international visitors.
Taxi Travel with Aberdeen Taxis
When exploring the city, visitors can make travel easier by using Aberdeen Taxis, a reliable local service that provides safe and convenient transport across the city and beyond. Whether heading to hotels, cultural attractions, or conference venues, using Aberdeen Taxis ensures smooth connections and a stress-free way to enjoy everything Aberdeen has to offer.
At Aberdeen Taxis, we’re here to help you get to any location in Aberdeen and the surrounding area safely and on time, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy experiencing all Aberdeen has to offer.
Don’t worry about finding expensive parking or forgoing some drinks so you can drive to a destination. Book an Aberdeen taxi and let us deal with the stress of getting you back and forward, and even give you a tour of local landmarks
Prebook your Aberdeen Taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Aberdeen Taxis on 01224 200200
Drop into the Aberdeen Taxis office at 5 Crown Street Aberdeen AB116HU
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