Hospitality and tourism leaders across Dumfries & Galloway have formally opposed a proposed Transient Visitor Levy (TVL), warning it would damage the region’s fragile visitor economy and place additional pressure on small businesses and residents.
In an open letter submitted this week to Dumfries & Galloway Council and Councillor Stephen Thompson, the group described the levy, commonly known as a tourist tax, as “misguided and harmful” for a rural, seasonal destination already facing rising economic pressures.
The joint statement, co-signed by a cross-section of the region’s hospitality, tourism, and wedding industry operators, argues the levy would discourage overnight stays, threaten local jobs, and make the region less competitive compared to nearby destinations like Carlisle and the Lake District, where no such charge exists.
“This is not a harmless administrative charge,” said Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Scottish Hospitality Group and owner of Our Place in Annan. “It’s an additional tax not just on visitors and local businesses, but on residents who may need to stay locally—for holidays or hospital appointments.”
He added: “The introduction of a levy designed for large city markets like Edinburgh or Glasgow makes no sense here. It will send the wrong message at a time when we should be focused on recovery and growth.”
The letter notes that tourism in the region supports over 7,000 direct jobs and many more through supply chains. With operators already facing rising energy costs, business rates, and staffing pressures, a TVL would introduce another burden.
Neighbouring councils including Argyll & Bute, South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire have paused or scrapped similar plans. Signatories are urging Dumfries & Galloway Council to do the same and instead pursue partnership-led investment.
The group is now calling on the Council to pause further TVL discussions and instead work directly with businesses to build sustainable tourism and secure long-term growth for the region.
