Help Shape Stirling's Visitor Levy

In May 2024, the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act. This Act gives local authorities the ability to charge a set percentage on overnight accommodation paid by visitors and tourists. In December 2024, Stirling Council agreed to start a period of public consultation to understand whether and how a visitor levy should be implemented in the region. The results of early engagement helped us shape what a visitor levy would look like, and the resulting 'draft scheme' has been prepared for consultation. Changes can still be made at this stage and we would very much welcome you input.

After the consultation has concluded we will take some time to analyse the results and prepare a full report.

The next phase of the plan will involve a complete Visitor Levy scheme being put to Council in December 2025 for a final decision on whether to introduce the levy.

It is estimated the introduction of a five per cent visitor levy in Stirling could generate between £5m and £7.5m. These figures reflect different nightly prices and occupancy rates, and are subject to revision. 

All money raised would be reinvested locally on facilities and services that are used by, or substantially for, leisure and business visitors. This includes infrastructure, events and culture, as well as improvements to destinations that enhance the visitor experience. Because residents and visitors use many of the same things, the visitor levy has the potential to improve life for residents as well as visitors.

To make sure the proposed scheme meets the needs of Stirling's visitors, residents, and businesses - and make life better for everyone in the region - we are asking again for your input. During the statutory consultation phase we want to know what you think about our draft Visitor Levy scheme and whether Councillors should approve it and implement a levy.

The survey during the statutory consultation phase will be open from Monday 14th July to Sunday 12th October.