Two-thirds of local businesses are against Stirling’s plan to introduce a Visitor Levy, according to the results of a city council consultation.   

Stirling Council is due to debate proposals on Thursday (26 June) which would see overnight visitors to the city pay a 5% surcharge on their accommodation bill.  

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the local authority to pause its plans amid concerns they may damage the area’s vital visitor economy.  

Hisashi Kuboyama, FSB Scotland development manager, said: “Local businesses have made it clear that they don’t want a visitor levy in Stirling, with 64% of 115 businesses or tourism organisations which responded to the council consultation saying they are against it. 

“Stirling’s visitor economy is recovering well from the Covid pandemic, but it would be naive to assume this will always be the case. With the declining demand from the UK domestic tourism market and the global geopolitical uncertainty, businesses in Stirling are concerned that increasing costs for visitors could deter tourists and harm the local economy. 

“That is particularly true when the UK is already an expensive destination compared to most other European countries, and Stirling is seen by many visitors as offering less value for money than other parts of Scotland.  

“The council’s proposed five per cent levy is higher than most schemes in Europe, except for those in Germany and the Netherlands.” 

In its response to the council consultation, FSB Scotland highlighted a recent impact assessment commissioned by the Welsh Government, which found a visitor levy could reduce tourist numbers by up to 2.5 per cent and cut visitor spending by as much as £35 million a year.    

Mr Kuboyama said: “A Visitor Levy can be a power for good, delivering real benefits for local businesses and economies, but its implementation must be fair, proportionate, and carefully considered. 

“One thing that is clear is that one size does not fit all. What works in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Barcelona or Paris is not necessarily going to work in Stirling. 

“We are asking the council to listen to the concerns of local businesses and put their plans on hold until they are in a better position to understand all the risks as well as the potential rewards.”