Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“The ASSC welcomes the pragmatic and evidence-based decision by Orkney Islands Council to reject the introduction of a tourist tax. With strong opposition from local businesses and communities, this decision reflects a clear understanding of the critical role that tourism plays in supporting the islands’ economy. Indeed, independent research has recently shown that the self-catering sector alone contributes £21m annually to Orkney, supporting 717 local jobs. We urge other councils to follow Orkney’s example and pause any consideration of a tourist tax, at least until they know what alternative charging arrangements they could introduce, and work in partnership with the tourism sector to fully assess the wider economic impacts.”