The introduction of a levy scheme would see a set percentage charge on overnight accommodation paid by those booking accommodation in the Stirling Council area.
Residents, businesses, tourism operators, and visitors are being encouraged to contribute their ideas on a draft visitor levy scheme, including its objectives, percentage rate, timeline, and how revenues would be re-invested
They can provide feedback in an online survey (with paper copies also available in Stirling Council libraries), with a closing date of Sunday 4 May.
A series of drop-in sessions have also been arranged for businesses, accommodation providers and anyone else who would like to share their views on the scheme, with two already held in Stirling city centre and Killin, and two more scheduled over the next two weeks:
- Callander (Wednesday 9 April 2025, 11am-6pm, Callander Youth Project)
- Drymen (Wednesday 16 April 2025, 11am-6pm, Drymen Village Hall).
Meaningful and constructive feedback
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “We have been heartened by the meaningful and constructive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the draft visitor levy scheme for Stirling.
“However, it’s really important that as many people and organisations as possible have their say on how the levy could work to ensure if it is implemented that it maximises the potential benefits for everyone, from residents to accommodation providers and visitors.
“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 also needs to reflect the needs of Stirling’s key tourism sector.
“To help achieve this balance when we produce a draft scheme, please take part in the online survey or share your views at one of the drop-in sessions taking place this week in Callander and Drymen.”
Once the draft scheme has been produced, a formal consultation on it will commence on 13 July and run until 11 October 2025. The final version of the scheme will be presented to council for a decision on 11 December 2025.
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. The earliest it could be introduced would be June 2027.
It is estimated the introduction of a one per cent visitor levy could generate between £1.5m and £2.3m each year, while a five per cent visitor levy could generate between £5m and £7.5m.
All money raised would be reinvested locally on facilities and services that are substantially for, or used, by leisure and business visitors. This includes infrastructure, events and culture, as well as improvements to destinations that enhance the visitor experience.
Research from VisitScotland shows there were a total of 686,000 overnight tourism visits to Stirling and Forth Valley in 2023 and a total overnight tourism spend of £205 million.
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 was passed by the Scottish Parliament in May 2024. 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.
More information on Stirling’s draft visitor levy scheme can be found at www.stirling.gov.uk/visitorlevy and on the Engage platform.