Plans to introduce a controversial tourist tax in Edinburgh have been confirmed, with the levy set at 5% of accommodation costs.
City councillors are due to decide later this month whether to approve the tax, which would come into effect on 24 July 2026.
The charge, similar to those already in place in countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy, would apply to hotels, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, and properties rented through platforms such as Airbnb.
The council expects the tax to generate around £50 million annually, which it plans to invest in improving the city. However, some businesses have expressed concerns that the levy could negatively impact trade.
