Tourists headed to Scotland for holidays will face a tourist tax for hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets.The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy Bill two days ago, meaning local authorities can set a charge for overnight accommodation.According to the bill, the fee will be a percentage of the cost of a hotel or other room. For instance, a 1% levy on a £200 booking means a visitor would pay £2 in tourist tax.
It will also be up to councils if they want to put a charge in place - but with Holyrood research 17 of Scotland's 32 councils backing the plans, its likely some visitors will be hit by charges.Scotland's employment and investment minister Tom Arthur said on Tuesday the charge will be a ' force for good,' suggesting it 'has the potential to be an important tool enabling investment in the local economy, and supporting an important industry'.