Paper 3 annex 1 HC Visitor levy consultation response

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's response to the Highland Council's consultation on a proposed visitor levy. The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act in May 2024, which allows local authorities to charge a percentage on overnight accommodation. The Park Authority's response includes suggesting that the council recognises the tourism objectives within the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP), includes the Park Authority in the Visitor Levy Forum, and outlines a mechanism for investing funds in services or infrastructure delivered by the Park Authority. Overall, the Park Authority generally supports the council's position but recommends monitoring the impacts of the levy and suggests regular reviews of the scheme, and promotes clarity and continued engagement with the tourism industry.