Overview

• Highland tourism has surged by 65% since 2012, with 36,000 campervans touring the North Coast 500 route in 2022.
• The North Coast 500 contributes £22 million annually to the local economy and supports about 200 full-time jobs, according to a Glasgow Caledonian University study.
• The Highlands Council’s voluntary £40 weekly campervan pass is projected to raise only £20,000 this year against a £500,000 target.
• Highlands Council projects a 5% overnight accommodation levy could generate £10 million annually by covering all visitor stays, including campervans tracked via number-plate recognition.
• Local business groups warn that additional charges on campervans risk deterring visitors and undermining the region’s economy.