New tax could hit cruise ships docking in Scotland as politicians discuss ‘visitor levy’

Cruise ships docking in Scotland could face a new tax in the future, as politicians confirm they are in talks of introducing a levy – following other European destinations which have initiated similar regulations.

Finance Secretary Shona Robinson told MSPs during a Holyrood debate this week that the government is consulting with stakeholders about cruise ship taxes with the aim of introducing them as quickly as possible.

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer questioned whether further powers could be devolved to local governments next year to tackle the country’s social, economic and environmental challenges, such as through a cruise ship tax.

Robinson noted that parliament had recently introduced new powers and guidance in May, allowing local authorities to establish a ‘visitor levy’ to generate revenue that will benefit tourist facilities.

Destinations such as Edinburgh have already voted to introduce a charge for visitors who stay in the city in hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs, hoping to raise tens of millions of pounds each year.

Now, the government will “intensify work on designing a potential cruise ship levy” and will be consulting stakeholders and local authorities over the coming months to see the proposal through.

“It is important that we get that right, but we are keen to move forward as quickly as we can,” Robinson added.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson also added that a cruise ship tax “at the discretion of local authorities seems sensible and is in line with actions that have been taken in Greece and Italy.”

He added that the tax could be an advantage for Scotland’s natural marine surroundings, which have been polluted due to the large cruise ships; all the while, little revenue has actually been made from the tourists visiting certain areas.

“It could benefit Inverclyde, which is subject to the harmful sulphuric oxides that are emitted by cruise liners, despite very little passenger spend being retained locally,” he said.

Other politicians, such as Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater, added that the new cruise tax could “ensure that communities benefit when they host cruise ships”.

Taxing cruise ships in Scotland was introduced by the Scottish Greens last year, with a focus on ensuring the taxes would go to communities that are hosting cruise ships, which can be overwhelmed by…