Paper 3 THC Visitor levy consultation response cover

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to discuss and approve a response to the Highland Council's Visitor Levy consultation. Highland Council is the first Local Authority within the National Park to propose a visitor levy under the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024. The Act allows local authorities to charge a percentage on overnight accommodation, but National Park Authorities do not have the power to introduce a levy themselves, although they are a consultee. Highland Council's proposal includes a 5% levy on overnight stays. The Cairngorms National Park Authority have been involved in discussing the proposals. The four other local authorities covering the National Park are also considering visitor levy proposals. After the consultation, Highland Council will prepare a report recommending whether to proceed with the proposal.