It’s been a big week for the sector, with critical discussions taking place on several fronts. Here’s what you need to know:
- STA Sector Call – Pressures Mounting
The sector continues to grapple with mounting regulatory and financial pressures. Concerns over Short-Term Let (STL) licensing remain high, particularly following City of Edinburgh Council’s legal defeats and ongoing complaints of maladministration. Many operators are facing rising costs, with some even exiting the market due to the uncertainty. Enforcement actions against compliant businesses are adding to frustrations, and there’s a clear need for more clarity and support from policymakers.
- Visitor Levy – Questions Remain
Conversations with the Scottish Government Improvement Services, City of Edinburgh Council, and the Scottish B&B Association focused on the rollout of the national information return portal for the Visitor Levy. While Edinburgh is set to introduce the levy in October 2025, the national data return platform won’t be ready until March 2026, raising concerns about implementation challenges. Meanwhile, discussions continue with key stakeholders—including City of Edinburgh Council, online platforms, VisitScotland, accountants, and legal experts—about how the levy will be treated financially. Questions remain around whether it will be classified as ‘turnover’ and which elements of a stay (such as commission, breakfast, or pet fees) will be deductible. The complexity of the levy is becoming more apparent, and more clarity is urgently needed.
- Non-Domestic Rates – Businesses at Risk
There are growing concerns over businesses being removed from the Non-Domestic Rates list due to annual declarations not being submitted. This has been raised with the Scottish Assessors Association, and businesses are urged to ensure they meet all requirements to avoid any unexpected changes to their status.
- Scottish Ratespayers Forum & 2026 Rates Revaluation – Key Dates
As we approach the 2026 Rates Revaluation, discussions with the Scottish Assessors Association highlighted important upcoming milestones. The Draft Valuation Roll will be published on 30 November 2025, based on a valuation date of 1 April 2025. Information requests will be sent out soon, and it’s vital that businesses respond in detail to ensure fair valuations. Further guidance will follow to help navigate the process.
- Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception – Pushing the Conversation Forward
CEO Fiona Campbell attended the Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception this week, taking the opportunity to engage with Ministers, MSPs, and key stakeholders. The event allowed for positive, progressive discussions on the challenges facing the sector, from STL licensing to the Visitor Levy, and the broader need for policy that supports rather than stifles tourism businesses. Ensuring the sector’s voice is heard at the highest levels remains a priority, and these conversations are a vital step in that process.
As always, we’ll keep pushing for clarity, consistency, and fairer treatment for the sector. Stay tuned for more updates next week.