Stirling Council and Stirling Enterprise Park (STEP) have announced the creation of a dedicated Visitor Levy Project Implementation Lead role to provide practical, hands-on support to businesses ahead of the introduction of the new levy scheme.
Support for Businesses
The role will offer advice, training, and technical guidance on the levy arrangements, including registration, collection processes, exemptions, and reporting requirements. It aims to minimise the administrative burden on accommodation providers and tourism businesses across Stirlingshire.
Key Details of the Levy
Using powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the draft scheme proposes a five per cent levy on overnight stays in all forms of paid visitor accommodation in the Stirling Council area. The levy is scheduled to go live on June 14, 2027, and will apply to bookings made from January 1, 2026. Several Stirling-specific exemptions are included beyond statutory exemptions.
Role Responsibilities
The implementation lead, currently being recruited, will work within STEP’s business support team and act as a key link between the council and the local tourism sector. The role includes:
- One-to-one support for accommodation providers
- Workshops, webinars, and information sessions across the region
- Guidance on registration, collection, and remittance processes
- Advice on customer communications and booking systems
- Development of FAQs, guidance materials, and online resources
- Ongoing feedback and liaison between businesses and Stirling Council
Official Comments
Stirling Council Leader Cllr Susan McGill said: “The introduction of the Visitor Levy is an important milestone that will create new opportunities to invest in and enhance our visitor economy. We recognise that accommodation providers will need clear information, practical guidance and ongoing support as preparations progress. This dedicated implementation role demonstrates our commitment to working alongside businesses throughout the process.”
David Miller, Chief Executive of STEP, added: “We have a long history of helping businesses adapt to change and seize new opportunities. We are delighted to be working with Stirling Council to deliver this important support programme for the tourism and hospitality sector. The role is designed to give businesses confidence, whether they need support in understanding the legislation, using the collection platform, communicating with visitors or integrating levy processes into existing systems.”
Further information on business engagement activities and support opportunities will be shared as the implementation programme develops.
