As Edinburgh prepares to implement a five per cent visitor levy, travellers are assessing how this new charge will affect their decision to visit the Scottish capital. While the levy aims to generate revenue for essential services and infrastructure, it could also lead to increased costs for those planning road trips or driving holidays.

What is the Edinburgh visitor levy? The proposed scheme will apply to all overnight accommodation within the City of Edinburgh Council boundary, including hotels, hostels, B&Bs, caravan sites, and vehicles predominantly situated in one place.

While the levy aims to raise over £100 million by 2030, critics argue that it could deter tourists from visiting the city.

Cammy Day, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, believes the scheme presents a “huge opportunity to invest sustainably” and develop measures to make the city more appealing to visitors.

We already know from the huge amount of engagement we’ve previously carried out that the introduction of a levy has overwhelming support here in Edinburgh.

Cammy Day

As part of a comprehensive public engagement exercise that continues until December 15, stakeholders are being invited to share their views on several key elements of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, including its pricing structure, implementation details, and any proposed exceptions or exclusions.

Seasonal caravans within the designated area governed by the City of Edinburgh Council, including popular destinations like Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Park, may face changes due to the implementation of the proposed visitor levy.

The revenue raised through the visitor levy will be specifically utilised to support critical infrastructure projects like waste management systems and cultural heritage conservation efforts.

Edinburgh joins an international trend

Edinburgh is poised to join an international roster of prominent cities that have implemented visitor levies as a strategic approach to managing the far-reaching effects of tourism on their respective urban infrastructures.

The outcome of these visitor levies is still uncertain, but it’s clear that travellers planning a trip to Edinburgh or other destinations with similar schemes will need to carefully consider and budget for the additional expenses.

A couple from Croydon, south London, have turned their passion for travel and adventure into a highly lucrative side business.

Anna, a travel agent, and Sergio, a mechanic, started by converting a used motorhome to explore the UK with their one-year-old son in 2020.

This was back when travel was restricted so, when friends and family saw their trips, they began asking to borrow the van, sparking an idea for a potential “side hustle”.

The couple listed the motorhome on Camplify in September 2021 and were soon hiring it out to nearly 20 families and couples.

Successful expansion

Encouraged by the success, Anna and Sergio expanded their business by purchasing two more motorhomes, which they renovated and listed on the platform.

Their hard work paid off as they acquired a Peugeot La Van, Flash, and Renault Master to add to their fleet.

The couple still use their motorhomes for personal travel around the UK with their now five-year-old son.

Anna and Sergio’s story is a testament to the potential of turning a passion into a successful venture.

Their experience highlights the opportunities available in the sharing economy, particularly in the campervan rental market.

The couple’s decision to list their motorhomes on Camplify has allowed them to reach a wider audience and tap into the growing demand for unique travel experiences.

Flavia Robles Lorente, performance manager at Camplify, says “it’s brilliant to see them inject their passion into their builds – all three of their converted motorhomes offer a simplistic luxury that lots of holidaymakers love.”

Anna and Sergio have built a fantastic business, born out of what was a side hustle, that has gone from strength to strength in a very short space of time.

Flavia Robles Lorente

The couple’s success demonstrates the potential for entrepreneurs to turn their passions into lucrative businesses.

With their £30,000-a-year income, Anna and Sergio are now reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication.