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Stirling to launch 'tourist tax' consultation next month following council approval
Stirling's proposed scheme would impose a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', on overnight stays in all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the council's jurisdiction.
Stirling Council has approved a draft 'tourist tax' scheme for the area to go to a public consultation on the proposals.
The consultation is due to get underway next month.
Using new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, Stirling Council's scheme would see a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', slapped on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation in the council area.
Over and above the statutory exemptions, the draft scheme also proposes several exemptions to paying the tax, including to Stirling residents, those in the receipt of carers' allowance and to visitors staying more than seven nights through reimbursement.
The council says that the draft scheme aims to ensure that Stirling continues to attract visitors all year-round while spreading the benefits more evenly across the region as well as minimising the impact on communities and the environment.
In December last year, the local authority committed to a year-long programme of engagement and consultation to explore the potential introduction of a visitor levy.
The first phase of the engagement ran from March to May this year and received 671 responses via online and paper surveys, with additional feedback gathered through a number of community meetings, drop-in events and direct business engagement.
The council said that initial findings showed broad support among residents (57 per cent) and community groups (75 per cent).
The early engagement revealed that the most popular suggested levy rate was one of five-per cent, aligning with the proposed rate from most other Scottish local authorities who are consulting on a similar levy. Priorities for investment included public infrastructure, sustainable transport, toilets and visitor facilities, followed by destination marketing and events.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: 'Tourism is one of Stirling's key economic strengths with visitors from across the globe attracted to our world-class built heritage, stunning scenery, outdoor experiences, diverse and vibrant events and much more.
'This draft scheme is about reinvesting in what makes Stirling special so we can continue to grow this key part of the regional economy and maximise the potential benefits of a levy for everyone. It aims to ensure that visitors continue to have a high-quality experience while helping us protect the places and communities they come to enjoy.
'The proposals in the scheme have been shaped by the meaningful and constructive responses we received during the initial engagement exercise, such as the exemption for Stirling Council residents. I would like to thank all those who provided feedback – and the conversation on this important matter continues.
'When the formal consultation launches on 13 July we want to hear from everyone – accommodation providers, community groups, local businesses, and residents – to make sure the final version of scheme works for all of Stirling.'
In May this year, the Stirling Observer told how a hospitality trade body warned that the proposed 'tourist tax' could 'harm tourism' in the region.
UK Hospitality Scotland has urged the council to carry out a full economic impact assessment on the impacts of the proposed visitor 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.'
That came after the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said last December 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'.
In April this year, 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.
The group called on policymakers to reconsider the proposals over fears levies could significantly harm local tourism economies costing local businesses millions in lost revenue.
The council previously estimated that a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million.
The City of Edinburgh Council has already agreed to introduce a visitor levy, and a number of local authorities in Scotland are also consulting on introducing a levy, including Glasgow and Argyll and Bute.
If approved, the levy would take effect from June 1, 2027, applying to bookings made on or after January 1 that same year.
