Local politicians in Edinburgh have approved a tourist tax for visitors staying overnight the Scottish capital, introducing the first charge of its kind in the United Kingdom.

Visitors to Edinburgh will be charged a tourist tax designed to raise £50m annually, after city councillors voted in favour of the move. The charge, which mimics those already used in Germany, Spain and Italy,

We have listened to many voices and come to a conclusion that is sustainable, consistent with legislation and will enhance our city'

But while councillors are understandably excited about a maximum £50 million annual boost to their finances, commentators on social media are all raising the same concern about overnight stays in the city frequently ranked among the best in the UK and the world.

Edinburgh is to introduce Scotland’s first ever visitor levy, adding a 5% tax to overnight hotel stays. The fee, agreed by councillors in a virtual meeting, is expected to raise up to £50m a year to reinvest in the city. Businesses will need to apply the levy to any advance bookings made from 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026.

A five per cent charge will be levied on hotels, B&Bs, campsites and accommodation let through websites such as Airbnb

Calls for the tourist tax to be raised to up to 8% to tackle the city’s housing crisis were rejected by councillors.

Councillors agreed to delay the introduction of the new charge until October to give the industry time to prepare