Glasgow Introduces New Tourist Tax to Fund Public Services and Infrastructure Enhancements in Scotland’s Second City – Travel And Tour World

Glasgow, Scotland’s vibrant cultural hub, is gearing up to introduce a tourist tax that will affect visitors staying overnight starting in 2027. This move marks a significant step for the Scottish city, which has long been a destination for both tourists and business travelers. The new tax aims to generate crucial funding for public services and infrastructure projects that will benefit both the local population and those visiting the city.

As the city prepares to implement this new levy, travelers will see a small increase on their accommodation bills—around five percent—when staying at hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, or self-catering properties. Based on current pricing, this means an average increase of about £4.83 per night. While the tax may not seem significant on the surface, the impact of this initiative on Glasgow’s infrastructure, public spaces, and overall tourism experience will be profound.

Why Glasgow Introduced the Tourist Tax

The move to introduce a visitor levy is part of a broader effort to ensure that tourists contribute to the upkeep of the city, particularly as tourism continues to play a critical role in Glasgow’s economy. With an estimated 2.9 million overnight stays annually, generating £250 million in tourism spending, the revenue from this new tax is expected to raise about £16 million per year. This funding will be directed toward essential public services, infrastructure improvements, and city events, all of which directly benefit both residents and visitors.

Glasgow is following in the footsteps of Edinburgh, which introduced a similar tourist tax earlier in 2025. The city administration committee’s approval of this tax, which was supported by major political parties, including the SNP, Labour, Greens, and Conservatives, marks a consensus that tourists should contribute a small amount to the city’s upkeep. The initiative was met with approval from various local tourism bodies and hospitality businesses during a consultation process launched earlier this year.

What Will the Tax Fund?

The funds raised by the tourist tax will primarily be directed toward infrastructure projects that improve the overall quality of life in Glasgow. A significant portion of the money will go toward essential services such as street sweeping, park maintenance, and landmark upkeep. These improvements are not just beneficial to residents but also play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. The city’s efforts to maintain clean streets, vibrant public spaces, and well-preserved historical landmarks are key factors in attracting tourists to Glasgow each year.

In addition to these essential services, the funds will also be used to support events that help drive tourism to the city. Glasgow, known for hosting international events like the Glasgow Film Festival, the Commonwealth Games, and various arts festivals, will use the revenue to fund future cultural and sporting events, ensuring that the city remains a top destination for travelers from around the world.

The 5% surcharge on accommodation is expected to have minimal impact on visitor numbers, with the benefits of the improvements and investments clearly outweighing the small cost increase. Glasgow’s councilors believe that this move will allow the city to continue to evolve, offering an even better experience for both tourists and locals alike.

A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism in Glasgow

Councilor Blair Anderson, a key figure behind the proposal, emphasized that the introduction of the tourist tax would be a “game-changer” for Glasgow. By generating additional revenue for essential city services, the levy will allow the city to improve its infrastructure, making it even more attractive to visitors and residents alike. Anderson pointed out that the tax would help fund improvements to street cleanliness, bin collections, and other services that contribute to a more pleasant environment for both tourists and Glasgow’s residents.

Tourism in Glasgow has been growing steadily over the years, and this new tax is part of the city’s broader strategy to make the tourism sector more sustainable. With the increase in tourism comes greater pressure on local resources, and the visitor levy aims to mitigate this by ensuring that the costs associated with maintaining public services and infrastructure are shared with those benefiting from the city’s attractions.

A Positive Reception from Local Stakeholders

The introduction of the tourist tax has been supported by a wide range of local stakeholders, including tourism bodies, business owners, and residents. According to Richard Bell, Deputy Council Leader, the levy is seen as a fair and reasonable way for visitors to contribute to the city’s growth. “The levy means that some of the people who enjoy what Glasgow has to offer, but do not pay local taxes, will be asked to make a small contribution to the city,” Bell explained. This contribution will, in turn, help fund improvements that benefit both locals and visitors, ensuring that the city remains a top destination for travelers.

Local tourism bodies have also welcomed the introduction of the visitor levy, recognizing that the additional funds will help Glasgow compete with other major European cities, many of which already have similar taxes in place. The move will also ensure that the city can continue to offer high-quality services and maintain the attractions that make Glasgow an appealing destination.

How Will the Tax Be Collected?

The logistics of collecting the tourist tax are simple: accommodation providers will add the 5% charge to the bill of every guest who stays overnight in Glasgow. The tax will apply to all forms of overnight accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, and self-catering properties. Providers will retain a small portion of the fee—1.5%—to cover administrative costs, while the remainder will be allocated to fund the city’s infrastructure projects and events.

While the tax is not likely to affect travel decisions for most tourists, some have expressed concerns about the added cost. However, the city administration has made it clear that this small contribution will be reinvested into the city, directly benefiting visitors through better services, cleaner streets, and improved public spaces. The long-term benefits of the levy are expected to enhance the overall tourism experience in Glasgow, making it an even more desirable destination for travelers from around the world.

The Future of Glasgow’s Tourism

Glasgow is already one of the most dynamic cities in the UK, known for its vibrant arts scene, rich cultural heritage, and world-class shopping and dining options. The introduction of the tourist tax is part of the city’s broader efforts to maintain this momentum while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt by everyone in the city. By generating additional revenue for public services and infrastructure improvements, Glasgow is positioning itself to remain a top destination for both domestic and international travelers for years to come.

With the added revenue from the tourist tax, Glasgow will be able to build on its status as a global cultural hub, attracting more visitors while improving the quality of life for its residents. The levy, though small, is a key component of the city’s plan to build a sustainable and thriving tourism industry, ensuring that both locals and visitors can continue to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere for generations to come.

Conclusion

Glasgow’s new tourist tax, set to be introduced in 2027, represents an important step towards a more sustainable and balanced tourism model. With its focus on infrastructure improvement, public services, and funding for cultural events, the levy promises to benefit both visitors and residents alike. As one of Scotland’s most exciting cities, Glasgow is making proactive strides to ensure its tourism sector continues to grow while supporting the local community and maintaining its unique character. Visitors to the city will experience an enhanced, cleaner, and more vibrant environment, making their time in Glasgow even more memorable.