WATCH: Public Finance Minister speaks in Fort William on 'tourist tax' benefits

Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance Tom Arthur MSP visited Fort William on Thursday August 10 to discuss the benefits of the Scottish Government's proposed visitor levy and visit the newly refurbished Nevis Range activity centre.

 

Meeting with Nevis Range managing director Chris O'Brien and activities director John Sutherland, the conversation included ideas on how money from the tourist levy could be used in Fort William, such as measures to ease congestion and improving the A82.

 

Nevis Range estimates it has lost £200,000 in turnover this year through incidents on the A82.

 

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Discussions also extended into helping Highland businesses as a whole, including developing schemes to attract talent and seeking to solve the area's staff accommodation issues.

 

The proposed Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, often colloquially referred to as the 'tourist tax', was introduced in May and has been met with both positive and negative feedback.

 

Advocates say the income will help fund and develop tourist infrastructure across the country, especially in heavy tourist traffic areas such as Lochaber.

 

"attachment_1003321" "" "300"] Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur (left) with Nevis Range Managing Director, Chris O'Brien. Photograph; Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

Critics, however, say it will push tourists away from businesses only recently recovering from Covid lockdowns, and collection from some tourism formats, such as campervans, could prove impossible.

 

Speaking after the event, Mr Arthur said: "I was pleased to visit the Nevis Mountain Range Experience and learn about the important role it plays in the local economy, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.

 

"Our Visitor Levy Bill aims to give local authorities power to ask for a small contribution from tourists to improve facilities and services for visitors, bringing benefits to businesses such as Nevis Range. I look forward to working with our partner organisations as this Bill progresses through the Scottish Parliament."

 

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Mr O'Brien said: "It was an absolute privilege to host Tom Arthur MSP at Nevis Range today. Our discussions were insightful and forward-thinking, reflecting our shared vision for the future of the Highlands.

 

"As we continue to evolve and grow, such interactions are invaluable in ensuring that Nevis Range remains at the forefront of Scotland's tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. We're excited about the path ahead and are grateful for the support and collaboration from our government partners."