A Scottish trade association for self-caterers has cautioned Stirling Council to proceed with caution regarding proposals to implement a ‘tourist tax’ starting from 2027. The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has raised concerns that introducing a visitor levy scheme in Stirling could potentially turn small businesses into ‘unpaid tax collectors’. The council approved plans to investigate the introduction of the levy at a recent meeting, outlining that it would involve charging visitors a set percentage on overnight accommodation in the city.
Fiona Campbell, the Chief Executive of ASSC, emphasised the importance of implementing the tax correctly to avoid negative impacts on businesses and visitors alike. She highlighted the significant economic contribution of tourism to Stirling, with short-term lets generating around £30 million GVA and supporting 960 jobs. Campbell stressed the need for a comprehensive economic impact assessment to accompany the levy proposals to ensure fairness, good governance, and appropriate utilization of the funds for tourist infrastructure.
Stirling Council is set to conduct consultations with residents, local traders, tourism operators, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the draft levy scheme’s objectives, rates, and reinvestment plans. If approved, the visitor levy, as per the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, would have an implementation timeline with potential revenue estimates between £1.5 million to £7.5 million annually.
The concerns raised by the ASSC reflect the broader implications of introducing a tourist tax on both businesses and visitors, highlighting the necessity for transparent governance and effective utilization of the generated funds for the betterment of the tourism industry in Stirling. As the council proceeds with its exploratory investigations and public consultations, striking a balance between economic benefits and sustainable tourism growth will be crucial for the long-term success of the proposed levy scheme.