A PUBLIC consultation is set to begin on plans which could see visitors to Argyll and Bute charged a 5 per room, per night levy.
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to seek views on a revised visitor levy scheme, with the 12-week consultation due to run from Monday, July 13 until Monday, October 5.
The new proposal follows changes to national legislation which now allow councils to consider a fixed-rate charge, rather than only a percentage-based levy.
Under the draft scheme, visitors staying in overnight accommodation would pay a flat rate of 5 per room or accommodation area, per night.
Council officers estimate the levy could generate around 10M gross income, with approximately 8.5M remaining before further consideration is given to support for businesses with administration costs.
Money raised would be reinvested into supporting Argyll and Butes visitor economy, with suggested uses including improvements to public toilets, car parks, waste facilities and signage.
Funding could also support transport links, paths and access routes, tourism businesses, cultural events, heritage projects, environmental initiatives, skills programmes and community-led projects connected to the visitor economy.
The council previously paused work on introducing a visitor levy while awaiting changes to Scottish Government legislation.
A report considered by councillors highlighted that tourism brings significant benefits to Argyll and Bute, but also creates additional pressures on local services and infrastructure.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan explained the proposed flat rate approach is based on the principle that all visitors have access to local facilities regardless of the type of accommodation they use.
The report stated tourism pressures can include additional waste, wear on footpaths and the impact on other infrastructure.
Two local exemptions have also been proposed alongside nationally set exemptions.
These include people travelling from islands to mainland Argyll and Bute for healthcare appointments, including registered carers accompanying vulnerable patients, and outdoor education centres providing residential trips for young people.
Councillor Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said the visitor economy remains vital to the areas future.
He said: The visitor economy plays a vital role in Argyll and Butes success.
These are difficult times. Every area of life wants more investment than is available.
We have to consider every option for investment in the long term future of the local visitor economy so that Argyll and Bute continues to be a place that people choose to visit.
I would encourage residents, visitors and businesses to get involved with the consultation when it opens and give us your views.
The consultation findings will be presented to a future meeting of the council before any final decision is made.
