What is a visitor levy (tourist tax) in the UK?
UKUpdated By Akkrev
A visitor levy is a charge on overnight stays. Edinburgh's 5% levy applies from 24 July 2026, and Welsh councils can add their own. Agents must include it.
A visitor levy, often called a tourist tax, is a charge on overnight stays collected by accommodation providers for a local authority.
In the UK
- Edinburgh: 5% of the accommodation cost, on up to five consecutive nights, for stays on or after 24 July 2026. Scotland’s first.
- Wales: councils can choose to introduce a levy, starting on 1 April or 1 October after a year’s notice. All visitor accommodation providers in Wales must register by 31 March 2027.
- Other councils have consulted or are considering levies.
Why it matters for AI agents
UK price transparency rules require mandatory charges to be included in the headline price shown to consumers. If a levy appears only at the final step, an agent comparing totals may quote too low or rule the property out when it recalculates. See UK tourist taxes and AI agents.
Why it matters for AI visibility
Visitor levies change the total AI quotes. Stating them clearly keeps AI’s comparisons fair.