Holidaymakers planning a trip to Stirling may soon face a new ‘tourist tax’ starting from 2027. Stirling Council has approved exploring the implementation of a visitor levy scheme, which would involve imposing a charge on overnight accommodation for tourists visiting the city. The decision was made during a recent full council meeting, and work on this scheme will commence over the next year.
If the visitor levy gets the green light, tourists staying in Stirling could expect to pay a set percentage charge on their overnight stays. The council will conduct consultations with residents, local businesses, tourism operators, and other stakeholders, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The feedback from these consultations will be used to draft a scheme outlining the levy’s objectives, rates, implementation timeline, and how the generated revenue will be reinvested.
It is anticipated that the earliest possible introduction of the tourist tax could be in June 2027, following an approval process scheduled for December 2025. The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year, has prompted several local authorities, including Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Argyle and Bute, and Highland Council, to consider such schemes.
Stirling Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, highlighted the importance of tourism to the local economy and emphasised the need for thorough public consultation in 2025. Estimates suggest that a visitor levy of one percent could generate £1.5 million to £2.3 million annually, with a five percent levy potentially yielding up to £7.5 million. The funds raised will be reinvested in local projects and services that benefit both leisure and business visitors, such as infrastructure, cultural events, and enhancements to visitor destinations.
Research data from VisitScotland shows that Stirling and Forth Valley hosted approximately 686,000 overnight tourists in 2023, with an estimated total spend of around £205 million on overnight stays. As the council progresses with its plans for the tourist tax, further developments are expected in the coming months.
In conclusion, the proposed tourist tax in Stirling reflects a growing trend in Scotland, where local authorities are exploring innovative ways to support tourism and reinvest in their communities. The potential introduction of this levy could have a significant impact on the local economy, funding essential projects and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving tourism initiative in Stirling.