A 'Tourist Tax' in Galway City could rake in badly needed millions of euro in funding for Galway City Council.
At a meeting at City Hall last night, there was a big step forward in plans to introduce a pilot scheme.
Around the table last night, there was broad agreement on two things.
The first is that this could bring in millions in revenue to the cash-strapped local authority, that would then be ringfenced for tourism related services across the city.
The second was that the term 'Tourist Tax' is not likely to resonate well with the public in the current climate.
Even though it was stressed this isn't a tax on locals, and is in place in most other parts of Europe, the terminology needed some revision.
Visitor levy, bed surcharge, night time economy levy suggested some - others weren't particularly bothered as long as it was anything but 'Tourist Tax'.
What it'll ultimately be called wasn't decided, nor was the rate that would be charged - though even €1 per visitor per night would bring in more than €2m.
What was decided is that management at City Hall now have the blessing of councillors to take a well-informed business case to Government for a pilot scheme.
