Cruise Ship Levy: consultation analysis

14. Additional comments

At the end of the consultation, respondents were given the opportunity to make any other comments about a potential cruise ship levy.

Q19. If there any other points you would like to make in relation to a potential cruise ship levy that you have not been able to make elsewhere in this consultation, please add them below

Half of respondents answered Q19. A range of themes was evident, though most comments referred to themes already described throughout this report. These have been summarised below, alongside additional points.

A range of suggestions for implementing any cruise ship levy were made by many respondents. These related to exemptions (see Q11 and Q12), having a sufficient implementation period (see Q13 to Q15), the need to encourage collaboration between the Scottish Government, local authorities, ports, and communities, and the importance of ensuring cruise ship passengers are informed of the levy in advance of their cruise or visit.

As noted throughout the consultation, several respondents at Q19 asked for more information on a potential cruise ship levy. Please see Q1 for more details.

Negative impacts on Scottish tourism and the Scottish economy were raised by several respondents, and several others reiterated the perceived positive and negative impacts of cruise ships on local communities, businesses, and employment. See Q16 (impact assessments) for a summary of these themes.

Several respondents advocated for greater consideration of cruise ships' negative environmental impact and how any cruise ship levy can mitigate this. See Q4 (considering the environmental impact of cruise ships) for more details.

Some respondents suggested other approaches for consideration beyond any cruise ship levy, including comments on a potential point of entry levy (Q18), and calls to charge motorhomes/campervans and day visitors.

A few respondents raised comments on existing fees placed on cruise ships. In particular, a concern was noted that any cruise ship levy could result in operators being double-charged for services that are already covered by existing port fees.