Trade group warns Stirling's proposed 'tourist tax' could 'harm' the region's tourism
Another hospitality trade body has warned that the proposed ' tourist tax ' which could be introduced in Stirling could 'harm tourism' in the region.
UK Hospitality Scotland has urged Stirling Council to carry out a full economic impact assessment on the impacts of the proposed visitor levy.
The levy would see visitors to the city hit with an additional charge on overnight accommodation.
Stirling Council last month launched an online survey over the plans, which runs until Sunday.
But UK Hospitality Scotland this week said that it did not agree with the introduction of a levy.
UK Hospitality Scotland Executive Director, Leon Thompson, said: 'Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy.
'That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling.
'That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy.
'We're keen to work with the council so they understand the perspective of accommodation businesses and I look forward to engaging further with them during this process.'
They have become the second trade group to raise concerns over the proposals.
Last December, one national trade association warned the council to 'tread carefully' over its plans.
The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said that the introduction of a visitor levy scheme on tourists in Stirling would mean that small businesses could become 'de-facto unpaid tax collectors'.
ASSC chief executive, Fiona Campbell said the implementation of the tax must 'be done right'.
Last month, a campaign group against the proposals warned the move could see the city's hospitality sector left with high levels of cancellations.
The Back British Holidays campaign warned that as much as 21-per cent of potential holidaymakers could cancel their trip over the additional tariff.
Additionally, they said another 21-per cent would reduce their spending while on holiday.
Now, Back British Holidays is calling on policymakers to reconsider proposals over fears levies could significantly harm local tourism economies costing local businesses millions in lost revenue.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: 'We welcomed the input of all stakeholders, including UK Hospitality Scotland, to our initial public engagement on the draft visitor levy for Stirling.
'More than 660 people and organisations had their say on how the levy could work in the online survey before it closed on Sunday 4 May. This feedback, coupled with the responses gathered at drop-in sessions, face-to-face meetings and via paper surveys, will help ensure the draft scheme, if implemented, maximises the potential benefits for everyone, from residents to accommodation providers and visitors.
'We are also considering additional research and analysis that could inform a potential scheme.
'While a visitor levy could offer opportunities to reinvest revenues in key infrastructure used by visitors and residents, such as roads, pavements, leisure facilities and parks, it would also need to reflect the needs of Stirling's key tourism sector.'
Stirling Council's consultation on the proposed charge ends on Sunday, May 4. Residents can provide their feedback in an online survey – with paper copies also available at the council's libraries.
A series of drop-in sessions have also been held for businesses, accommodation providers and anyone wishing to share their views on the scheme.
Once the draft scheme has been produced, a formal consultation on it will begin on July 13 and run until October 11.
The final version of the scheme will be presented to council for a decision on December 11, this year.
If the levy is given the go ahead, it would be subject to a minimum 18-month period of implementation between its announcement and the scheme coming into effect, meaning that the earliest it could be introduced in Stirling would be in June 2027.
The council says that it's estimated the introduction of a one-per cent visitor levy could generate between £1.5million and £2.3million each year, while a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million.
All money raised would be reinvested locally in facilities and services that are substantially for, or used, by leisure and business visitors.
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