Stirling hotel manager voices support for tourist tax if funds are used wisely
The manager of one of Stirling's most popular hotels has suggested that the city's proposed ' tourist tax ' on overnight stays could be beneficial, provided the funds raised are used appropriately.
Stirling Council is currently seeking public opinion on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for the area, following a public consultation launched last month.
Under new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the draft scheme proposes a five per cent levy on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the Stirling Council area.
The scheme would include several exemptions specific to Stirling, including residents of Stirling Council, those receiving carers' allowance and visitors staying more than seven nights (through reimbursement), as well as a site exemption scheme for charitable and educational organisations, where the trip's primary purpose is charitable or educational.
Barry Makin, the general manager of Sir Andy Murray's Cromlix Hotel, in Kinbuck, believes the move could be positive – provided the money is "well spent" and used locally.
Speaking to the Stirling Observer, Mr Makin said: "I think the theory behind the levy is good in principle, if the money is spent well locally to improve things for visitors and also for local people."
He further commented: "I've seen how it can work successfully in other European countries. In my opinion it's essential that the levy charge is clear to bookers at the point of booking and not just on the final bill so it's clear that this isn't a cost added by the hotel, but is something all travellers to Stirling would encounter."
Local residents and other interested parties are invited to share their thoughts on the draft scheme via an online survey, with paper versions also available in Stirling Council libraries, until October 12.
Businesses, accommodation providers, locals and tourists alike are also encouraged to provide feedback on the proposals at drop-in sessions scheduled across Stirling in September.
The sessions include: Stirling's Albert Halls on September 9, from 11am-6pm; The John McLintock Hall, Balfron, on September 11, from 10am–6pm; Drymen Village hall on September 17, from 10am-6pm; Killin's McLaren Hall on September 23, from 10am-6pm; and Callander Youth Project Trust on September 29, from 10am-6pm.
Last month, Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, urged everyone, from accommodation providers to residents and visitors, to provide feedback on the scheme to ensure it reflects the needs of all of Stirling.
If approved, the 'tourist tax' would come into effect from June 1, 2027, and would apply to bookings made on or after January 1, 2027.
In May, we reported that a hospitality trade body had warned that the proposed 'tourist tax' could potentially damage tourism in the region. Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UK Hospitality Scotland, said: "Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy.
"That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling.
"That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy."
That came after the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said last December that the introduction of a visitor levy scheme on tourists in Stirling would mean that small businesses could become "de-facto unpaid tax collectors".
Fiona Campbell, ASSC chief executive, said the implementation of the tax must "be done right".
In April, a campaign group against the proposals warned the move could see the city's hospitality sector left with high levels of cancellations.
The Back British Holidays campaign has issued a warning that up to 21% of potential holidaymakers might cancel their trips due to the extra tariff. They also stated that another 21% would cut back on their spending during their holiday.
The council previously estimated that a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million.
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