Scottish Labour candidate for Argyll and Bute, Dr Callum George, has expressed his opposition to the proposed introduction of a visitor levy on overnight accommodation across the area in its current form.
The proposal follows new powers granted to local authorities by the Scottish Parliament allowing councils to consider a local charge on tourism-related accommodation.
“A tourist tax or city tax may work well in European urban holiday destinations but I have heard the concerns of many locals and small business owners in Argyll and Bute who feel it would be disastrous in our unique, remote & rural and highly ferry-dependent setting.”
Dr George raised concerns that the proposed levy would create an administrative burden for local accommodation providers, many of whom are family-run businesses without the resources to do so.
“For small hotels, B&Bs and self-catering operators, this is not just an extra line on a bill. It means new systems, reporting requirements, compliance costs and additional bureaucracy. At a time when businesses are already under pressure this is the wrong priority.”
Dr George emphasised that these proposals do not reflect the realities of rural and island economies, with overnight stays not always being due to tourism.
“People travel for work, healthcare appointments, family responsibilities, and education. A visitor levy would mean local people paying extra simply because of the distances they have to travel within their own part of the country.”
Dr George also added that concerns raised by local businesses and residents should be carefully considered before any new charges are introduced.
“If elected, I will work as a true constituency MSP – communicating closely with local businesses and communities to ensure that any future similar decisions support sustainable tourism without placing unnecessary burdens on those sustaining our critical tourism sector.”
