Scottish tourism body VisitScotland has reacted angrily to a report in the Sunday Herald that it wants to impose a green tax on visitors to help protect and maintain the environment.

A VisitScotland spokeswoman said the report was “totally inaccurate”.

She added that the idea had been floated by the Tourism Innovation Group, a private industry-led group designed to promote innovation in the sector.

It had not progressed from this stage and it would not be a tax, but a voluntary contribution made by visitors with a “green conscience”.

“We have taken a lot of steps to ensure that environment is protected and to ensure sustainability, but we would not go as far as taxing tourists,” the spokeswoman said.

She said VisitScotland was aware of the discussions and was keen to encourage debate, but would not support a green tax.

The spokeswoman said the idea for a voluntary donation, also mooted, was at a very early stage.

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By James Garner

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