But the owner of The George at Inverary, which is one of Argyll’s most popular and historic pubs, believes the proposed visitor levy will force accommodation providers out of business.
Kris Clark has joined up with other local small business owners who are worried about the impact of the levy, which has been made possible by an act passed by the Scottish Government in July.
It allows councils to impose a levy which will be a percentage of nightly accommodation charges, which is different from tourist taxes imposed in Europe which are at a much lower fixed flat rate.
The proposed rate in Argyll and Bute stands at five percent per night plus VAT, and will impact anyone booking an overnight stay.
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And Mr Clark said: “This will lead to reduced tourist numbers and have an obviously negative effect on other businesses that are directly linked to tourism.’
“Tourism-related businesses will shrink and employ less staff. If the council was a private business, it would be committing financial suicide.
“If the council is intent on closing down Argyll then the tourist tax, combined with the A83 debacle, are the two best ways to achieve this. Their short-termism will be disastrous for Argyll.”
Local business owners have been contacting Argyll MSP Jenny Minto, who voted for the act, and is now being criticised for ‘not representing them fairly’.
The council further angered locals when it revealed in a statement to a local newspaper that it would primarily be used for ‘public services’ such as improving roads and public toilets, and not being ring-fenced for improving tourism with local residents pointing out they already pay their council tax for that.
Janette McSkimming runs an award-winning B&B, Garragh Mhor, in Easdale and said: “Enormous stress is being created by this onerous proposal and the possible negative effect on all our businesses and ability to earn a living. Additional administrative and accounting requirements will add to an already labour-intensive working life.”
“The knock-on effect to other local businesses will undoubtedly be felt if this goes through.”
A poster campaign is set to follow from local business owners in a bid to reflect the level of local anger and dismay at the scheme.
They say they understand the council is short of money and need to find new ways to increase their cashflow, but insist this isn’t the way to do it.
Last month, it was revealed the council were expected to hit an overspend of £4 million by the end of the year and council tax was likely to rise as a consequence of that.
Concerns are continuing with locals about the tax though and they are insistent that it will cause more damage than good.
Andrew Kerr runs Premier Laundry in Ardrishaig and said: “We are a support service to the self-catering businesses in Argyll. We feel that this visitor levy will have a negative impact on the industry, which is already struggling.
“A wider impact will be for any large-scale and small-sale work projects being carried out in the area as they will also have to pay for their workforce staying in accommodation.’
Lucy Gladstone runs the popular café in Ardfern, Lucy’s and added: “I fear for the future of tourism in Argyll and Bute. We need to be encouraging people to visit Argyll and this will push some businesses to the point of closure.
“A large percentage of my customers are tourists, and those staying in holiday lets are our main customers, especially in the summer season. I employ around 20 people during my busy season. This will directly affect my business and ability to carry on employing as many people as I do now.”
Becky Carter runs Isle of Mull cottages, which looks after around 100 properties on the island. She said: “Many accommodation owners are uncertain about their financial position. So we’d like to ask on what basis Argyll and Bute councillors are deciding that now would be a good time to raise rates for visitors in the area.”
Stef Burgon added: “We need to nip this in the bud now and stand with the other Scottish councils who have already rejected this tax. We want to welcome tourists with open arms and let this beautiful area thrive.”
