McArthur supports calls for a point of entry visitor levy 

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today responded to a statement made by Destination Orkney, urging Orkney Islands Council to reject an accommodation-based visitor levy.

Destination Orkney have highlighted the overwhelming preference within the local tourism sector for a point-of-entry levy that would be collected by transport operators.

The Scottish Government last month opened a consultation on a potential cruise ship levy, which included provisions for a point of entry levy as advocated for by Orkney Island Council and local stakeholders from the tourism sector. 

Commenting on the statement, Mr McArthur said:

“When the Visitor Levy Bill was undergoing parliamentary scrutiny last year, I made the case for cruise ship passengers and mobile homes to be included, in the interests of fairness and equity. My amendments were unsuccessful, but Ministers accepted the case for a separate cruise ship levy, which is currently out for consultation. In that consultation, the Scottish Government has included a point-of-entry provision, and I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Local Government, Shona Robison, last week seeking more detail about what is envisaged.

“From an islands perspective, a point-of-entry levy has many benefits, not least in removing the administrative burden and cost from small local accommodation providers. It also helps deal with many of the exemptions that would need to be put in place to avoid capturing those travelling within Orkney for work, health and family reasons. 

“Orkney Islands Council will be hosting meetings with the local tourism sector over the coming weeks as they consider what approach to take to any future visitor levy. In that context, the work carried out by Destination Orkney is extremely helpful and offers a potential way forward that may allow revenues to be raised for investing in infrastructure and services but in a way that minimises the impact on key local businesses and Orkney’s vital tourism sector. Ultimately, any levy can only work if it recognises and is tailored to meet the needs and circumstances of our island communities.”