East Lothian Council is inviting local businesses to share their views on a potential Visitor Levy for the area.
Over the coming weeks, the Council will engage with businesses, organisations, residents and visitors to explore what a Visitor Levy scheme could look like in East Lothian. This is an early-stage process and no decisions have been made. Any future proposals will be informed by feedback gathered through this engagement. Councillors will then consider the findings in early 2026.
A Visitor Levy, sometimes known as a tourist tax, is a small charge applied to overnight accommodation. This can include hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties and campsites.
Any income generated through a Visitor Levy must be reinvested locally. For example, funds could support tourism infrastructure, local services, events or initiatives that enhance the visitor experience. In addition, investment could help strengthen the tourism sector and support local businesses.
More information is available in the Visitor Levy Information for Industry guide.
In the coming days, local businesses will receive an email invitation from 56 Degree Insight, an independent research company working on behalf of the Council. The email will include a link to a short survey.
The survey will ask for views on:
Your feedback will play an important role in shaping any future proposals. As a result, the Council is encouraging as many businesses as possible to take part. This will help ensure that any future plans reflect East Lothian's needs and priorities.
If you do not receive an email invitation, you can complete the survey using the link below.
Sign up for our communications to receive the latest news and updates in East Lothian.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy.
