Visitor tax

[Sam Vimes]

Basically anywhere that accommodates people staying, presumably overnight, is going to have to pay an extra tax.

Somewhat contradictory to the fact that many places that host tourists get tax breaks. In our area holiday homes can have reduced council tax. Bnb owners get tax free breaks on upto about £5k.

The problem, certainly in our area, is that the increased numbers of people as tourists put a strain on our resources that residents have to foot the bill to cover. Last year we had warnings from Scottish Water about water conservation because increased numbers of tourists use more and are not that environmentally conscious.

Believe it or not last year our community was running out of water and tankers had to be brought in.

Friends who have holiday homes equally moan about the fact that visitors leave the heating up high, lights on windows open most of the time because it's all in the bill anyway.

A general tax on accommodation won't see the money go to where it's needed most.

 

[Hutch]

When we travelled to France and other countries in Europe, you would see a local tax noted on your bill. You paid €5 for coffee and Croissant, but the breakdown would show local tax of "say 25 cents" . Same with Pitch sites.

 

[Dustydog]

The problem, certainly in our area, is that the increased numbers of people as tourists put a strain on our resources that residents have to foot the bill to cover.

Do you agree with These statistics presumably compiled by someone on a Scottish Council?

 

[Beardy]

The problem, certainly in our area, is that the increased numbers of people as tourists put a strain on our resources that residents have to foot the bill to cover.

Surely the tourists are pumping money into the local economy which is (or should be) used to pay for the enhancement of resources to some extent? For example, without paying guests hotels would close so the LA wouldn't collect business rates, local shops and restaurants would suffer and may have to close and more of the LAs income would be lost. Most tourist areas have developed in such a way as to be dependent on tourists.

Friends who have holiday homes equally moan about the fact that visitors leave the heating up high, lights on windows open most of the time because it's all in the bill anyway.

This is inexcusable but there is an obvious answer.......... charge for the utilities separately (including water)! Judging by the discussions on here about caravan sites who charge for electricity by amount used it may not be a popular move though.
I expect that most of us are guilty to a greater or lesser extent. Over Christmas I stayed at a site that included use of the site showers in the pitch fee. I almost certainly used three times the amount of water that I would have used showering in the caravan.

 

[Buckman]

Friends who have holiday homes equally moan about the fact that visitors leave the heating up high, lights on windows open most of the time because it's all in the bill anyway.

Similar to people having electric heaters running in their awnings?

 

[toad a caravan]

When did you last visit Fleetwood?I don't think it's anything like it was,I preferred the likes of St Anns,Cleverlys, Fleetwood to Blackpool,I was surprised to see how Fleetwood has lost its lustre,and the change of use of the shops near the RNLI shop

 

[otherclive]

When did you last visit Fleetwood?I don't think it's anything like it was,I preferred the likes of St Anns,Cleverlys, Fleetwood to Blackpool,I was surprised to see how Fleetwood has lost its lustre,and the change of use of the shops near the RNLI shop

That’s what I meant, hence I’d go to Grange over Sands.

 

[Dustydog]

That’s what I meant, hence I’d go to Grange over Sands.

Even though it 54 miles away? What’s wrong with Blackpool Tower, the white knuckle rides and numerous one armed bandit shops and chippies. Plus most guest houses still advertise they offer “ free hot water”🤪

 

[Sam Vimes]

Do you agree with These statistics presumably compiled by someone on a Scottish Council?

The article is a little light on detail such as where they got their figures from and what they really mean.

In terms of population its always been hard to ascertain just what it is for Skye, by which I mean that area once you cross the bridge. This is because the stats usually include areas of the mainland such as Lochalsh or even Lochaber.

In terms of income generation this also doesn't have much value in my opinion when considering the impact of tourism. Some of that money will not stay on Skye. Many holiday homes for example are owned by those who don't live here. Taxes collect will go into central goverment and may not dribble back to where they are generated. Lots of tourists bring supplies with them.

The impact of increased tourism resulting in more accomodation being given over to them creates problems for locals who want to live here - prices are rising. Plus the limited long term rentals are restricting employment as staff cant find anywhere to live. Some NHS services are hard to support for similar reasons. When NHS staff have to travel to Skye - e.g for Flu vaccination programs, Audiology tests etc, they cant find aywhere to stay.

 

[otherclive]

Even though it 54 miles away? What’s wrong with Blackpool Tower, the white knuckle rides and numerous one armed bandit shops and chippies. Plus most guest houses still advertise they offer “ free hot water”🤪

I only used it as an example, hope this doesn’t move towards a ‘twisted underpants’ thread

We’ve had a goodly number of trips to Blackpool right from my apprenticeship days, when the apprentices arranged a coach for all. Then when living in Cumbria we would always visit the illuminations. I know some denigrate Blackpool but we’ve always taken it as it is and enjoyed our visits. But it wouldn’t be my choice for a holiday, as the sea is never inviting.

 

[otherclive]

I don’t rea

The article is a little light on detail such as where they got their figures from and what they really mean.

In terms of population its always been hard to ascertain just what it is for Skye, by which I mean that area once you cross the bridge. This is because the stats usually include areas of the mainland such as Lochalsh or even Lochaber.

In terms of income generation this also doesn't have much value in my opinion when considering the impact of tourism. Some of that money will not stay on Skye. Many holiday homes for example are owned by those who don't live here. Taxes collect will go into central goverment and may not dribble back to where they are generated. Lots of tourists bring supplies with them.

The impact of increased tourism resulting in more accomodation being given over to them creates problems for locals who want to live here - prices are rising. Plus the limited long term rentals are restricting employment as staff cant find anywhere to live. Some NHS services are hard to support for similar reasons. When NHS staff have to travel to Skye - e.g for Flu vaccination programs, Audiology tests etc, they cant find aywhere to stay.

i think it would have to be a hefty tourist tax to deter tourists to Skye its such an attraction to such a wide range of visitor interests. When you read that the tax on visitors to Venice has had zilch effect on visitor numbers.

 

[Beachball]

Even though it 54 miles away? What’s wrong with Blackpool Tower, the white knuckle rides and numerous one armed bandit shops and chippies. Plus most guest houses still advertise they offer “ free hot water”🤪

We always go to Stanley park at Blackpool and then see the lights .

 

[toad a caravan]

Sea food kiosk,toffee apples,steam potatoes and candy floss they are the "rides" i've ever gone on, anything over a metre from the ground or revolves not for me thanks 😵‍💫

 

[Buckman]

Sea food kiosk,toffee apples,steam potatoes and candy floss they are the "rides" i've ever gone on, anything over a metre from the ground or revolves not for me thanks 😵‍💫

Obviously you never fly anywhere? What about a ferry as that probably more than a metre off the ground or sea bed?

 

[toad a caravan]

I've never seen any planes,boats or subs on Blackpool pleasure beach,,mind you not been on it for a long time,,😁 perhaps Stanley park as they used to have boats they may have sub, squires gate for planes🙂

 

[Dustydog]

I only used it as an example, hope this doesn’t move towards a ‘twisted underpants’ thread

We’ve had a goodly number of trips to Blackpool right from my apprenticeship days, when the apprentices arranged a coach for all. Then when living in Cumbria we would always visit the illuminations. I know some denigrate Blackpool but we’ve always taken it as it is and enjoyed our visits. But it wouldn’t be my choice for a holiday, as the sea is never inviting.

No twist . As I’ve said before Blackpool according to the national stats office is the worst place to live for mortality. 😢😢. Must be something in the air or water🙉