Edinburgh Council, led by Labour Mayor Jane Meagher, has announced measures to limit visits to the city:
From 24 July 2026, a 5% fee will be applied to the cost of overnight accommodation in Edinburgh, capped at five nights in a row. Businesses will need to apply the levy to any advance bookings made as of 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026.
Jane Meagher said:’What an historic moment for Edinburgh. Introducing this ground-breaking visitor levy means realising a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest tens of millions of pounds towards enhancing and sustaining the things that make our city such a great place to visit – and live in – all year round.’
The Edinburgh Festival will be hard hit. It has yet to respond.
As potential visitors, we know where we are not welcome.
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