Deputy leader Alex Rowley said today hitting visitors to Scotland with an additional penalty was one of numerous tax hikes planned by the party.
This is despite the Scottish Tourism Alliance warning about the impact of such a move, which it said would place Scotland at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the UK, and would be a “poor message to send out”.
In addition, the British Hospitality Association has said tourists are already significantly taxed, and the sector was unsure of how the extra revenue would be used.
Tourism in Scotland is a growing industry, and one that’s become increasingly important to a number of communities.
Under Labour’s plans, visitors could pay a “bed tax” of up to £2.85 a night.
Scottish Conservative tourism spokeswoman Rachael Hamilton said:
“We need to be doing everything we can to encourage more visitors to Scotland, especially at a time of economic uncertainty.
“Hitting tourists in the pocket with this extra charge will only do the opposite.
“If the visitors our economy desperately needs are forced to pay more, we risk them choosing to go to other nearby locations in the UK.
“The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing in Scotland, but Labour’s plan would place that growth and the associated jobs in jeopardy.
“This document shows again Labour’s only plan is to hit hardworking people in the pocket, at home and now even abroad.
“That approach was rejected by voters in the May’s Holyrood elections, and the party will find it similarly unpopular this May as well.”